SERIAL Southampton fund-raiser Gus McKechnie will be attempting to set a new world record on a static rowing machine in aid of Sport Relief.

Gus, who has cycled more than 12,500 miles and raised £25,000 for charity, will aim to row 100km in a day at the Red Funnel ferry terminal in Southampton.

The former Solent University student said: “It will make a nice change to get off the bike – even if it is for just one day!

“Sport Relief is a great cause, helping good causes, both in the UK and overseas, so I am delighted to be doing my bit. “I really have to thank Red Funnel for their continued support in my fundraising.”

The gruelling effort, taking place on Friday, is the latest in a long line of fundraising challenges which has seen Gus run several marathons, row around the Isle of Wight and help set up indoor rowing competitions in schools across Hampshire.

Gus’s fundraising mission was inspired by the death of his 31-year-old brother Andrew in 2003 from the genetic disorder haema-chromatosis, with which Gus also suffers.

His father died in the same year, and in 2007 his mother died from cancer.

Among his current plans is a John O’Groats to Land’s End bike challenge organised by Olympic rower James Cracknell in June, as well as trials for the Paralympics 2012 squad.

• To sponsor Gus go to redfunnel.co.uk/gus.