Thank you for making it to my fundraising page!  It seems strange to set one of these up for myself as I’m usually the one persuading other people to go on these treks.  So, I thought it was about time I got out there and challenged myself to complete a trek.  I thought doing a short trek might be easier to fit into the diary, but now that I look at the route I’m going to have to get fitter than I thought.  I am going to Jordan, for four days trekking across the desert, the third day of which is 8 solid hours walking!  Not my usual afternoon stroll.

For full details please go to:

http://www.classictours.co.uk/Challenges/OpenChallenge.aspx?ChallengeID=647

Please give as generously as possible.  As you know, I work for Apostleship of the Sea (AoS), a maritime welfare charity providing practical and pastoral care for seafarers.  AOS port chaplains and volunteers offer seafarers friendship, hospitality and pastoral support, as well as practical assistance. In partnership with other agencies we provide centres where visiting seafarers can relax and socialise, as well as access a wide range of services and facilities.  For those who are away from home for as long as ten months at a stretch the use of the communication facilities (postal, telephone and internet) in the centres allows them to contact their families and loved ones and to keep up with the news in their home countries. They also have access to leisure facilities; free or low-cost books and clothing; and visits to shops to buy essential items. For those with little time to spend ashore, AOS has set up dockside facilities in temporary buildings, caravans or disused containers. With pressure to move ships in and out of port as quickly as possible, many crews are unable to leave their ships, and so AOS also operates a ship-visiting programme. If seafarers’ rights are being abused, AOS can liaise with the appropriate authorities on their behalf, or where there is tension onboard, we can be a mediating presence.

Where more personal care is required, as when seafarers are hospitalised, abandoned or detained by police while in port, AOS (GB) pastoral workers offer practical assistance, companionship and help in contacting their families. When ships that have breached international law are arrested and held in port, AOS pastoral teams visit the crews, who are effectively prisoners onboard.

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Apostleship Of The Sea 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 sponsor me now!