Johns bold bid to row the Atlantic single-handed may have foundered but the incredible venture has struck a chord on both sides of the ocean.

Yesterday, as John plans for a homeward journey by air, his commando-joe.com website was inundated by wellwishers praising his bravery and success in raising the profile of injured service personnel and, in particular, the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen´s Association.

John was forced to quit three weeks and around 700 nautical weeks into his 3500-mile adventure after a complete failure of the on-board communications system in the Sable oil fields off the Canadian coast.

Speaking to the Gordon Bannerman from the rig support vessel Mariner Sea which came to his assistance, John said: "The bottom line was that without being able to alert ships to my presence and remain in constant touch with my weather warning team on the US mainland it would have been utterly reckless to continue. Without essential communications like a transponder and transmitting radar it could have been suicidal to press on. I have a wife and family to think of. Now I´m looking forward to seeing them again."

John and his 30-foot Shepherd Purple Heart were en route to Halifax, Nova Scotia, yesterday on the first leg of a long haul home.

He said: "Of course it is disappointing it should end this way. I was convinced I could do this. The US coastguards I spoke to reckon this is the best equipped rowing boat in the world but there was no way I could continue trying to carry out running repairs."

After a welcome shower and hot meal, John praised the skipper and crew of the Mariner Sea and company Secunda.

"Skipper Peter McKenna and his crew have been superb and very supportive. They got the Shepherd Purple Heart on board and while inevitably some damage has been sustained that can easily be put right.

"I was always in control after spotting the initial oil rig through the fog but I´m grateful to everyone for keeping an eye on me and ultimately picking me up."

John had to battle through unseasonal weather patterns after leaving Nantucket Island, with alarming 60-foot squalls to contend with on top of the inevitable sharks and whales which came perilously close. That meant the sea anchor being deployed regularly and hard won miles being lost.

"It has certainly been memorable and very emotional. I´m disappointed not to have been able to press on but the decision to halt the record bid was 100% right."

Wife Lesley commented: "We have had a brief chat and John is upbeat and in good spirits. He couldn´t have done any more and we are so proud of what he has achieved. We can´t wait to get him home again."

Around 4500 pounds has already been pledged to Blesma by supporters and the government announced the introduction of the Elizabeth Cross medal just before John´s departure from the USA. He and former military mates had been petitioning for just such American Purple Heart style recognition for sacrifices being made in theatres like Afghanistan and Iraq.

Perth exile Davey Armstrong, who now lives in the USA, commented: "In my book John has been an inspiration. I´m full of admiration for what he has achieved."

It is with regret that I confirm that Molly's quest has been ended.

In dense fog, in the deep of the night and rough seas, all communications were lost with no way to generate power due to technical malfunctions. This left us in a suicidal situation to think about continuing as the boat could not be seen and with no communications a decision was made between the team, the Falmouth and Canadian coastgaurds to start a rescue mission with the aid of an oil rig support vessel. With the use of their radars Molly was located and made safe.

He is in the process of being returned to dry land complete with boat and a further update will follow in due course. To confirm both Molly and boat are now safe.

Going through the first of what I would call BIG WALL phase, had lots of little ones, back in the fog and still battling this current with little reward for the efforts expended, being sick from both ends but forcing food and fluids down even if they only stay there for a little while, took all my energy reserves to pump 1 litre of water today so will try to rest and stay out of the seat untill tonight as my body is beginning to rebel big time, fog magnifying the electric issues as need to have radar and nav light on all the time, no i pod again as need to be able to hear, helicopter went overhead earlier doing a shift change on the rig, jammy sods, see all the aircraft heading north east on a clear night, I shout expletives at them, economy class seems so comfortable,Lesley receiving all the calls and today it's been all tears and drama as I feel sorry for myself, suggested I concentrate on where we can holiday when this is done, need inspiration from you guys and very cheap accomodation as I've spent at least ten years worth of the holiday budget, please keep all the messages coming as it realy lifts the spirits and occasionaly a chuckle which is a rarity at the moment, have started to get paranoid about the least wee thing, like i'm running out of wet wipes, might be insignificant to you guys but its my whole personal hygene system, looking at ways of recycling.

Mollison

I've had some wild weekends in my time, but this one caps them all! 30 knot wind sand a 60 foot swell on top of 3 nights of limited sleep having to keep watch in the fog. It was like being on a roller coaster in Disneyland with a huge oil platform at the end. I knew if I hit that I would surely break up.

I would like to thank the Support vessel of the Oil Platform Rowan Gorilla for keeping a close eye on me during the terrible weather

It was reassuring that the crew were tracking me and putting out my position to everyone in the area, at least I felt slightly safer with people knowing exactly where I was and with helicopter support. I would be happy if I never hear the word SQUALL again, it brings waves and swell crashing down on you from all directions, you never know which one will flip you over.

Today things are much calmer and it gives me time to repair, eat and rest - you may find this difficult to believe but there are so many things to do out here.

It is great news that the team have got a stand at Perth Show next Saturday to help raise awareness and hopefully do a bit of fundraising at the same time. Chances are that some of the team will come away with a "Best in Breed" Trophy that we can auction off!!!!

Mollison

Hi guys, you will be aware that i'm on sea anchor yet again and will be for 48 hours. Think I will use the bad weather to catch up on food and sleep.. some hope. I came out of fog at 3am and found I was drifting straight for an Offshore Oil Rig.I tried to hail them on the VHF but it packed up - it took me an hour to fix it and recharge batteries. It really is survival, survival, survival.

Mollison

Word of John's amazing venture is beginning to spread and the committee is chuffed to hear from Martin Riches of 2nd Mortgages.

He has secured backing from the good people at Waitrose in Reading during August.

Martin explained: "I have had the pleasure of working with Molly and have socialised with him through Paul Hunt and John Maher. I am amazed by his efforts and I took it upon myself to help as much as possible.

"I knew that Waitrose promoted a sponsorship association each month. So I went into the Reading store and was interviewed about the cause and I pointed them to the website.

"They then contacted me and said that they would sponsor Molly throughout August. It was great news. I am also trying to get all of my friends on Facebook to sponsor him and get all of their pals to do the same. I hear the committee is setting up a paypal account in response from supporters further afield who want to buy a meal for Molly. It should be very busy."