DISASTER has struck Worcester rower Richard Wood's solo attempt to cross the Atlantic to raise £100,000 for the city's St Richard's Hospice.

He had to abandon his bid to complete the mammoth Ward Atlantic Rowing Challenge after scalding his hand while trying to cook a meal on the high seas.

Richard had vowed to finish the challenge - dubbed world's toughest rowing race - single-handedly after partner Rob Ringer, from Cumbria, had to retire on day nine.

Today, Richard's wife Usha said her husband was "devastated" but, after scalding himself and constantly losing his battle against the tides, he had no choice but to give up.

"It was a nasty accident which took the skin off the back his hand, so he couldn't continue," said Usha, of Northwick Road.

"He was devastated because he was determined to do his best to complete the race.

"He was also finding it incredibly difficult as he was losing much of the distance he'd rowed during his rest period, which was very frustrating for him.

"I'm relieved he's pulled out, but it was an extremely difficult decision for him."

He was towed to safety in the two-man boat built for the race, The Spirit of Worcestershire.

Richard and Rob had flown out to Tenerife at the end of September to start the race to Barbados, which in the past has been completed by fewer people than have climbed Mount Everest.

Barney Price, director of Worcester's St Richard's Hospice, said everyone at the charity was very grateful for all the hard work both men had put into the event.

He added he admired their achievement and was pleased Richard was safe.

"Knowing them as we do and their huge courage and determination over the past three years' preparation, only a combination of events and bad luck could have forced this decision," he said.