HE'S already raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the Meningitis Trust after his son died of the disease.

Now, Pete Rowlands has set himself another gruelling fundraising challenge – to row 2,100 miles non-stop around the UK.

This time round, Mr Rowlands, 50, of Long Riston, has vowed to help injured soldiers after a former colleague lost his leg in Afghanistan.

He and his three companions will split the funds they raise between the Meningitis Trust and the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association.

The Commando Joe team – including Mark Waterson, John Mollison and Dave Hartley –will set out from Tower Bridge on June 1 in their 30ft rowing boat.

Mr Rowland, who is currently serving with the 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, faces blisters, chafing and row claw – where the fingers are left clenched in rowing position.

He said: "We will be totally unsupported and we will be aiming to row non-stop with two rowing while the other two sleep.

"But, of course, we will be at the mercy of the elements and tide.

"We can train physically and prepare mentally for the challenges."

The race marks the year in which Mr Rowlands' son Gareth, who died aged 16, would have turned 25.

Mr Rowlands also wants to show his support for Craig Gadd, of east Hull, who lost his left leg in October last year after stepping on a Taliban make-shift bomb in Helmand Province.

The pair served together in Unit 131 Independent Commander Squadron Royal Engineers, a reserve unit of the British Territorial Army.

Mr Rowlands is no stranger to tough physical challenges and has already raised £288,000 for the Meningitis Trust.

In 2009, he and Mr Waterson took part in a 150-mile running race in the Gobi Desert and a record-breaking 84-day row across the Atlantic in 2006.

Mr Rowlands also took part in a 320-mile skiing race to the North pole in 2005.

The team is looking for sponsors. If you can help, email peterowlands@btinternet.com