Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This is a huge personal challenge for me. Prior to starting my Clipper training, I had no sailing experience, other than going on a Cross Channel ferry! The past year has been a very steep learning curve - everything from tying knots under pressure to carrying out man over board drills in the middle of the night. I still find being at sea scary - and so far, I have ventured no further than the Solent and the Channel!

In July 2020, I will set off from New York to sail back to England via Bermuda and Derry. I will be in the company of 20 other intrepid souls - some of whom are completing the whole 11 month circumnavigation. I have already met some wonderful people through Clipper training - people who have been very forgiving of my incompetence and supported me at times of self doubt. I hope that I can do the same for others on my boat.

My family think I am mad. They tried to dissuade me, but having realised that I wasn't going to  be put off, they have got behind me - buying kit for me, encouraging me and most of all telling me to keep safe!

Apart from the personal challenge, this is also an opportunity to raise money for a fantastic charity. The UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Programme helps cities put infrastructure in place to ensure all Children grow up in a safe environment, where they can play, learn and grow. With the right infrastructure and support, please help our Children learn to dream and have the confidence to realise those dreams. 

Colleagues who work in BCC will be aware of the work of  UNICEF through Rights Respecting Schools award which has been achieved by many Birmingham schools. It would be great to see this work underpinned by the city joining the Child Friendly Cities programme.

Meanwile - you can help to support the work of UNICEF by donating to my JustGiving page

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you for your support