FOR the past two years, daredevil Daryl Farmer had worked tirelessly in preparation for his latest charity challenge – a solo row across the Pacific Ocean.
As previously reported by the Mirror, Mr Farmer set off with other boats in the Great Pacific Race – which heads from California to Hawaii – on June 11. However, after being severely restricted by high winds and a strong current, he asked to be towed back to port and attempted to try again seven days later.
But after four treacherous days at sea, Merstham-born Mr Farmer admitted defeat.
Twenty-foot waves, severe dehydration and the early signs of kidney failure led the 39-year-old to call it a day.
Hospital tests revealed Mr Farmer was suffering from severe dehydration and the early onset of renal failure, but there were no signs of any lasting damage.
His father Rob, of Merstham, told the Mirror: "I got a text from him that said, 'I promised to stop if I didn't feel safe, sorry to let anyone down but I didn't want to die out there'.
"I'm so pleased he's safe and for him to say 'I didn't want to die out there' it must have been pretty horrendous.
"He said it was like being in a washing machine; they have got 15 to 20 foot waves out there."
Mr Farmer is raising money for Earthrace, an ocean conservation charity, and Cancer Research UK in memory of his late mother Deirdre, who died of kidney cancer in 2012.
To find out more or to donate towards either cause, visit www.rowing4reefs.co.uk
