An Oxford man in his 60s will be completing a 24-hour rowing challenge this weekend ahead of his Atlantic crossing record breaking attempt later this year.

Jim Ronaldson, aged 67 and fellow rower Ian Davies will attempt to row from 12 noon on Saturday, April 22 until 12 noon on Sunday, April 23 at the Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford.

The event is to publicise their participation in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2023 in December.

READ MORE: Oxford rower crossing Atlantic in world record attempt

In completing the 3,000-mile journey, they would break the world record for the oldest crew to cross the Atlantic, with a median age of 65.6 years.

The journey begins in the Canary Islands, Spain and ends at Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua and Barbuda.

Jim will be raising funds for the national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, which will have representatives at the 24-hour rowing challenge.

Oxford Mail:

He said: “For me personally, it was mainly the pandemic that inspired me to take part in the challenge.

“I was concerned about the impact it had had on people’s mental health, particularly children.

“The aims of the challenge are to cross safely, take part in a once in a lifetime experience and raise as much money as possible for charity.”

READ MORE: Girl, 12, begs council who MOWED DOWN wild flowers not to do it again

The pair’s Atlantic boat equipment will be at the Westgate during the 24-hour challenge, as will the charity PAPYRUS.

There will also be fun games and prizes for children.

Jim has been rowing for 50 years and has worked as a boatman on the river in Oxford for four decades.

Highlights of his rowing career include winning international medals in the sport and getting to the semi-finals of the Henley Regatta.