Over three weeks I will attempt to visit as many Scottish islands as possible on my little boat Auk. My route will depend on the weather conditions, but some of the islands I hope to reach include Bute, Jura, Islay, Gigha, Colonsay, Mull and Lismore.  For those of you who have sailed in these waters, you will know that careful interpretation of weather and tidal conditions is vital. Single-handed sailing adds another dimension to this challenge, with little time to relax whilst at sea, and anchoring or mooring being trickier with only one person. Having arrived safely at an island, the next hurdle will be getting my bike on land. In most places I will be at anchor or on a mooring and will have to use a dinghy to get ashore. Having overcome all of the above, then there will be the small matter of cycling as many miles as I can over these windy and hilly islands! At the end of a long day on the bike I will have to reverse the process of getting the bike back out to the boat, then settle down with the weather forecast and tide tables and plan the next days sailing. I will be filming as I go along, and look forward to sharing my adventure on my return.

As I battle seasickness in lumpy seas, slog up a particularly steep hill on the bike, or lie awake at night listening to the wind and wondering whether the anchor will hold, I will be encouraged by the thought of (hopefully) raising lots of money for two very worthwhile charities. Please donate as much as you can and I will do my very best out there.

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Originating in Edinburgh, Maggies Centres now provide support for people with cancer throughout the UK. Both practical and emotional support is provided, and is delivered free to those with, or affected by, cancer. In the Edinburgh Breast Unit I am involved in the surgical care of patients with breast cancer, but it is clear that this is just one part of an often very difficult journey for patients, their families and friends. The local Maggies Centre provides invaluable support. With your donation, the work of existing centres can continue, and new centres be developed.

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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.