A SWINDON-BORN adventurer spoke to the Adver about preparing to fulfil his lifelong dream of crossing the Atlantic solo - at the age of 62.

Sir David Hempleman-Adams will begin a gruelling 35-day journey from Southampton to New York later this month after already conquering Everest and both of the Earth's magnetic poles.

He said: My first memory of watching television was seeing Francis Chichester coming into Plymouth harbour after sailing round the world and that really inspired me. It’s always been niggling at the back of my mind but I’ve never had time to attempt something similar. Now I’m getting too old to do more polar or climbing expeditions, I’ve decided that it’s time to give this a go.

“I’ve only sailed with a crew before, never alone, so this is a massive step up, so I’ve asked for advice from sailor friends like Ben Ainsley and Ellen MacArthur.

“It should be good fun, though it'll be unpredictable and I'll have lots to do. I'm apprehensive because it's well out of my comfort zone - even on Everest I felt like I was in my comfort zone. I don't know if I can make it all the way but I'm going to try."

The exact date of David’s departure will depend on weather conditions, though he hopes to set off before May and return by the first week of June. As well as a personal milestone, the voyage will also raise money and awareness for St John Ambulance, which David has supported for decades and now works as one of its trustees.

Sir David is proud to be Swindon born and bred - he's even taken a copy of the Adver to the top of Everest and both the North and South Poles.

He added: “I love Swindon, I have a lot of fond memories growing up in Moredon and going to school there, lots of my friends and family are in Swindon, no matter where I go in the world, I like to find out how STFC are doing and when I complete a tough expedition I always celebrate with a pint of Arkells!

"There are thousands of St John Ambulance volunteers in Swindon and Wiltshire but we need more, so I'm encouraging people to join. You'll learn first aid and other life skills, do rewarding work in a wonderful organisation that feels like a big family."

Progress on his journey will be track-able online. Updates from his sailing diary will be published in the Adver during the voyage. Find out more by visiting sja.org.uk/discovery or following the #DiscoverSJA hashtag on social media.