A MAN whose 16-year-old son died from meningitis has set off on one of the most difficult races in the world to honour his memory.

Pete Rowlands, 50, of Long Riston, near Beverley, is taking part in a challenge to row around the UK non-stop and unsupported as a tribute his son Gareth, who died in 2003.

It is the latest in a string of challenges Mr Rowlands and his friends and family have taken part in to raise in excess of £280,000 for the Meningitis Trust. Mr Rowlands said: “The challenges that my family, friends and I have been involved with to date would have been right up Gareth’s street – he had a taste for anything sporty or adventurous.

“I’m sure he would have relished the next challenge that we undertake in his memory and would have thanked all my friends that have supported us to date.”

Gareth, who was at boarding school at the time of his death, had complained of a headache and a pain behind his eyes before falling seriously ill. He was found collapsed in his bedroom and died ten days later. Recalling Gareth’s death, Mr Rowlands said: “You think it something that is never going to happen to you – it’s always someone else. When it does happen you are not ready for it. You can’t describe what it’s like to lose a 16-year-old son.” Mr Rowlands will be joined by three team- mates on the challenge, including amputee John Mollison, who is fundraising for the British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association (BLESMA).

Falkland veteran Mr Mollison will be the first amputee to row around the UK. The team, which has previously set two world records for a trans-Atlantic rowing race, is hoping to break the current record of 26 days, 21 hours and 14 minutes set in 2005. The team set off from Scarborough on Monday. You can follow their progress on their website commando-joe.com