One Man On A Solo Mission To Re-Define Disability - The Rowing Marine

Lee will be the world's first physically disabled person to row this route solo and unsupported from mainland Europe to mainland South America - setting a new Guinness World Record, proving there is life beyond injury.

During this feat of extraordinary physical and mental endurance, Lee will battle 30 foot waves and 3,500 miles of unpredictable Ocean in nothing more than a 7 metre long ocean rowing boat. Suffering from sleep deprivation, extreme fatigue, sea-sickness, fear and solitude Lee will be out of helicopter range and totally unsupported on the water.

LEE SPENCER MEETS PRINCE HARRY FOR A PEP TALK AHEAD OF HIS EXPEDITION

Lee feels passionately about helping keep wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women at the forefront of people’s minds alongside challenging the embedded preconceptions that impact all those with disabilities. The double Guinness World Record attempt will raise awareness and money for the Royal Marines Charity and The Endeavour Fund (part of The Royal Foundation), which supports wounded, injured and sick Service Personnel and Veterans using sport and adventurous challenges as part of their recovery and rehabilitation.

“I don’t believe anyone should be defined by something they can’t do or their limitations. It’s about rediscovering who you are, not redefining who you are and being labelled. I feel passionately about raising awareness of this and challenging these preconceptions. Disabilities vary and they aren’t just physical either, I hope I am able to inspire all those who seek to rediscover themselves and raise awareness and funds for two very worthy charities who have supported and inspired me ”

Lee was a serving Royal Marine for 24 years. After coming through three operational tours of Afghanistan unscathed, Lee lost his right leg after being hit by flying debris as he was helping a motorist who had crashed into the central reservation of the M3 in Surrey in 2014. Although his right leg was severed in the impact, the serviceman's training kicked in and he was able to instruct bystanders on how to tie a tourniquet and help paramedics to save his life.

Following a medically induced coma, five weeks in hospital and a long stay in rehabilitation, while recovering from his injuries Lee began planning his future. In 2014 Lee was shortlisted for the Pride of Britain award, click Here to see more.

In 2015 Lee set-off to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in just a rowing boat. The Row-to-Recovery team, a team of four injured veterans had just 3 legs between them. In February 2016, some 46 days, 6 hours and 49 minutes later the team rowed into land as the first British military all amputee team of four to row an ocean.

Lee will be wearing a Bremont S2000 on his record attempt, he picked this up from Bremont Co-Founder Nick English at the Mayfair Boutique, pictured below. Be sure to follow Lee's progress on the Blogbook.