AN epic bid by a Halesowen cancer survivor to complete the fastest human-powered circumnavigation of the world have been scuppered by lack of funding – despite breaking three world records rowing the Atlantic Ocean.

Sam Greatrex and his crew of four completed the fastest row of the 3,500 miles crossing from mainland Europe to mainland South America in 51 days 17 hours – smashing the previous 96-day record.

Although the records are awaiting verification, it is believed crew members Tara Adams and 27-year-ol d Nicholas Sen, became the first female and youngest person to complete the challenge respectively.

But the crossing, completed last Thursday, cost £45,000 and was mainly funded by Mr Greatrex who has been forced to quit his bid to row the bigger Pacific Ocean, which would cost around £100,000.

Recuperating back home in Cloister Drive, the 29-year-old said he had “no regrets” at cancelling his Lap the World challenge, having already smashed three world records.

He completed the first 2,000-mile European leg of his journey before Christmas after setting off on his bicycle from Paris on September 6 and plans to embark on the next 3,500 cycle lap across South America in a few weeks.

He said: It will take six to eight weeks and will be an amazing experience going through the Amazon Rainforest, over the Andes to a height of 4,000m above sea level before crashing down to the Pacific coast in Peru.”

But the challenge has so far raised almost £20,000 of his £240,000 target for Macmillan Cancer Support and Mr Greatrex, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma when he was 10, said he could not fund another ocean row.

He added: “To be honest if a sponsor came up with the £100,000 I think I would say give it to Macmillan – they need it more – rather than to a boat.”

He lost a stone and a half in weight during the Atlantic crossing and he and the rest of the crew suffered excruciating pressure sores on their buttocks.

They sat on sheepskin seats, used tubs of Sudocrem and resorted to rowing naked to reduce the chaffing.

Huge waves washed over the ocean going rowing boat, snapping three oars and their biggest disappointment was when water ruined half their supply of chocolate treats.

But Mr Greatrex said the boat performed “incredibly well” although the tiny cabins where they rested were as hot as saunas.

He is hoping to make more money for Macmillan and donations can be made online at justgiving.com/laptheworld