Sussex fisherman, 77, rows to Isle of Wight and back

A 77-year-old fisherman has rowed from Sussex to the Isle of Wight and back to raise funds for a new stained glass window.

Ross Fisher, a lifelong sailor and former coastguard of 20 years, set off from Felpham, near Bognor Regis, on Saturday, reaching the Isle of Wight, later that day.

He slept among the sand dunes, but was unable to start the return journey until Monday due to the wind direction.

Mr Fisher, who is raising cash for a new window in memory of Queen Elizabeth II at his local church in Felpham, said: "It combines my love of the sea with an opportunity to contribute."

Reverend John Challis, of St Mary’s church, said Mr Fisher’s dedication to helping fund the window was “inspiring”.

He said: “We are doing something not unique, but rare, in that we are replacing one of our plain windows with a stained-glass one dedicated to the life and service of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Mr Fisher's wife, Alison, coordinated communication and tracking throughout the journey - which is about 20 miles each way - and provided regular updates on social media.

So far, Mr Fisher has raised for than £4,000 - exceeding his target of £3,000.