ATLANTIC rower Stuart Turnbull will share his life-changing experience in a new book about his voyage.

Although he completed his 60-day odyssey in February, the 26-year-old is still feeling the physical strain of his adventure.

The trainee doctor visited the Ridgeway Hospital in Wroughton last week for a physiotherapy assessment on his muscular pain, and shared stories of his trip while he was there.

Stuart, from Broad Town, rowed across the ocean in a 24ft plywood boat with friend Ed Baylis, from Dorset and raised £200,000 for Cancer Research UK.

He has carried out work experience at the Ridgeway and staff have followed his sailing adventures keenly.

Stuart had a go on hi-tech Isokinetics equipment, which monitors his muscle actions when he rows.

He said: "Since I finished the trip, I've had problems in my legs.

"It is amazing how well the body copes and heals itself from the rigours of rowing 3,000 miles across some very high seas. But after all the blisters have healed and the fatigue has gone, I have been left with some deep muscular pains in my legs and repetitive injuries to my knees."

He hoped to break the 40-day record of rowing the Atlantic from the Canaries to Antigua, but multiple storms meant he didn't have a chance.

Stuart believes he has more than enough material to make a gripping tale, particularly as he kept a daily blog on his adventures.

Old Street Publishers snapped the voyager up after it became aware of his daring bravado. Being out in the high seas has brought out the philosopher in Stuart.

"It humbles you," he said. "The sea is the ultimate leveller. When I was out for just 40 minutes, I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew when a storm blew up. I was a novice - not a sailor.

"While you are out there, you end up thinking about stuff and you realise what you take for granted, like family and friends."

Stuart and Ed have been given a special award by Cancer Research UK in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the charity.

The duo were presented with a Flame of Hope gong by Cancer Research UK chairman David Newbigging at a London ceremony last week.

Stuart said: "It is such a tremendous honour to have been nominated for, let alone receive, the Flame of Hope award.

"Ed and I are truly blown away by the gesture."

The Ridgeway Hospital is organising a quiz to support his chosen charity, Cancer Research UK, and donations can still be made online at www.atlantic06.com