On 17th July 2010 I returned to Hull 10 months after leaving on the Hull & Humber Yacht to take part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. When I left I could have no idea that we would have to deal with a Man-overboard situation in a wild South Atlantic Sea (we got him back), a start line crash with Cork Clipper that very nearly ended our race prematurely and losing our Skipper, who broke his leg in the huge storms of the Pacific and had to be evacuated off by the Japanese coastguard. The whole trip was an amazing adventure and a mammoth voyage of discovery - both of the world, of humankind in general and more specifically one of self-discovery. I blogged my way around the world so if you would like to know more go to www.dellaroundtheworld.com and click on the blog section.
Now I'm back, my next challenge is to continue raising funds for DebRA in order to meet my target. I suspect this challenge will be every bit as tough as the Pacific Ocean was on us but every bit as rewarding too.
A huge thank you to all those who have supported me thus far and my thanks and gratitude to those who now know the challenges I've faced over the last year and might feel moved to donate. It doesn't matter how much - every little helps and even a little can make a BIG difference to the lives of DebRA's Butterfly children.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to visit this page.
On 13th September 2009 I will be setting off from Hull on one of 10 boats competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. It's the only race of it's kind that allows complete amateurs to take part - and believe me, they don't come anymore amateur than me!
It's going to be a huge 10 month challenge for me but I know I'll also have the most amazing time of my life. I wanted to make something that will be such a big part of my life count for something more and so I'm using it to try and raise money for 3 charities - DebRA, The World Land Trust and the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer. The race will take me across 35,000 so it's my personal aim to raise £1 for every mile I sail betwen the 3 charities. My challenge is to raise the cash before I get to finish sailing the miles, so it's a race within a race.....why face one huge challenge when you can set yourself two?!!!
The children that suffer from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) have no choice about facing their challenges. Every day for them holds pain, fear and many, many tears. They face this with far more bravery, spirit and good humour than I know I will muster on the dark occasions I'll encounter during my relatively short 10 months on the boat. Please help me to use my own personal challenge to bring about some hope, relief and ultimately a cure for everyone living with EB.
I'm asking you to do 3 really simple things:
1. Visit the DebRA website. Go to www.debra.org.uk and take 3 minutes to read just one of the Real Life Stories on the site or watch one of the videos. Then come back to this page!
2. Donate whatever you can. No spare cash? Then why not Give up a Treat for a Week. Think about what your personal treat is - it may be chocolate, beer, a bunch of flowers, getting your nails done, or going to the cinema or a football match. Add up (be honest now!) what you would spend in just one week on those things and donate the equivalant to DebRA by sponsoring me below.
3. Now tell your friends. Please email the link to this site and encourage your friends and colleagues to give up treat too. Or just to sponsor what ever they can.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: DebRA gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please donate now - and please post comments - your support will keep me motivated during the race!
Thank you very, very much
Della x
If you want to follow my progress through my training and the race go to: www.dellaroundtheworld.com
