ROWER Richard Wood was preparing to dig deep into his reserves of British spirit today and face the Atlantic alone.

The intrepid father-of-three has vowed to row the ocean single-handedly after his partner in the Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Challenge decided he did not want to go on.

Rob Ringer made the difficult decision after safety concerns when computer equipment on their boat, the Spirit of Worcestershire, broke down.

The pair relied on the computer messaging system to maintain contact with the outside world during the 2,900-mile odyssey.

But Richard is resolved to complete the race and raise thousands for Worcester's St Richard's Hospice.

His wife, Usha, said the rowers had been out of contact for two days after their messaging system broke down in the first few days.

They rowed to the island of El Hierro, near Tenerife, when Rob decided enough was enough.

"Richard's heartbroken to be out of the race as he really wanted to complete the challenge," she said.

"Obviously I'm concerned because he'll be alone, but I know he'll give it his best shot. He'll set off again when he gets a satellite phone, which will give him extra security."

Richard, of Northwick Road, and Rob, who lives in Cumbria, have spent the past three years preparing for the race, and to date have raised £15,000 for St Richard's.

Neither had rowed before, but liked the idea of the adventure after taking part in other endurance sports.

Richard, aged 45, will not be the only solo rower trying to finish the race, as a member of another English team has had to drop out.

But event organisers agree that making the crossing single-handedly will be tough.

"If you're in a pair there's always someone to keep an eye on you," said project manager Teresa Evans. "All credit to Rob. He's given it his best shot, and I've nothing but admiration for Richard for attempting it by himself.

"There's no reason why he shouldn't finish, as he's very determined. I've spoken to him and he seems in good spirits and ready to go ahead."

The record for rowing the Atlantic is 41 days. The Spirit of Worcestershire had hoped to finish in around two months, but the leading Freedom crew had already covered 900 of the 2,900 nautical mile distance by this morning.