'Gers boss gives solo rower a big boost

SOLO Atlantic rower Duncan Hutchison has received a surprise boost out of the blue from Rangers’ boss Steven Gerrard.

Former Liverpool star Gerrard has written to Mr Hutchison to encourage him on his journey.

He said: "I heard you are a huge Rangers supporter and that you are currently taking part in a gruelling challenge rowing across the North Atlantic Ocean.

"On behalf of all the players and staff at Rangers Football Club, I would like to take this opportunity to send you our very best wishes and a safe return.

"Thank you for your continued support."

Mr Hutchison is now 2000 miles away from America, where he started his journey to row to his home in Scotland.

But the 53-year-old has had to row more than 700 miles extra to get to that point, which he reached on Friday.

Strong winds and currents have slowed his progress at times – confining him to his cabin to ride out the conditions on several occasions.

In another update he said whales had swum upside down a "few feet" under his boat.

"Boat was rocking a bit with the commotion, but still cool," he wrote.

By the end of Tuesday, his 68th day at sea, he had rowed 2839 miles and was 2085 miles from where his journey began.

He was still 1472 miles from Lochinver – as the crow flies.

His expedition is raising money for the charity Wateraid but he also said that he was undertaking the massive challenge to prove that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/duncanhutchison

The total stands at more than £11,000 so far.