<div class="topBox"><span class="PFPpersonalmessage" style="font-size: 1.1em;"> <p>Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face - as they always have. Today, they may also face arbitrary imprisonment and long periods without shore leave because of immigration and security fears.</p> <p>Around the world, the Mission to Seafarers (www.missiontoseafarers.org) provides help and support to the 1.2 million men and women who face loneliness, discomfort and danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.</p> <p>We (two staff members of the International Maritime Organization) decided a while ago to leave our comfortable desks and ride 35 miles through the New Forest to raise money for this worthy charity. An additional impetus came a few days ago from the sudden death of its Secretary-General, the Rev. Tom Heffer, at the age of 47.<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;"> Tom always made sure that the Mission remained true to its calling of providing the best possible services and care to seafarers of the merchant fleet. <br></span></p> <p>Please sponsor us now!</p> <p>Donating through this site is simple. The Mission to Seafarers will receive your money quickly and easily and, if if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 25% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.</p> <p>Many thanks for your support,</p> <p>Aubrey Botsford, Andy Winbow</p> </span></div>