Up, up and away - man bids to become first blind person to cross the Atlantic in a balloon

They will face freezing temperatures and even a lack of oxygen Credit: ITV Meridian

  • Our reporter Andy Dickenson went to meet Mike and Debbie - up in the clouds

Mike Scholes from Burgess Hill in Sussex is bidding to become the first person who is registered blind to crew a hot air balloon across the Atlantic.

Mike lost his sight 11 years ago but had already completed five record-breaking flights.

At the helm of this flight will be his partner and endurance athlete Debbie.

If successful she will become the first woman to captain the 2,800 mile voyage.

If successful Debbie will become the first woman to captain the 2,800 mile voyage Credit: ITV Meridian

The pair will spend five to 10 days in an open basket at heights of more than 15,000ft.

They will face freezing temperatures and even a lack of oxygen.

The adventure this July will raise money for Blind Veterans UK.

The pair will face heights of more than 15,000ft Credit: ITV Meridian