We are both very fortunate to have everything we need in life. We might have to put up with Ben going away to sea for a month at a time, but compared to most sectors of the industry that is nothing. Therefore instead of a 'traditional' wedding gift list if you wish to give us a gift we would ask that you donate to this charity.

Plus, for our honeymoon, we are running across the country from Carlisle to back home to Newcastle, 70 mile in under 24 hours (we are aiming for 14-16 hours). This is an organsied ultramarathan known as 'The Wall' following the Hadrian's Wall footpath much of the way.

The Apostleship of the Sea serves seafarers from across the world, regardless of belief, nationality or rank. In all the main ports in Great Britain their team of chaplains and volunteer ship visitors visit thousands of seafarers each year, meeting their needs through the provision of help, support and advice.

The UK ports industry is the largest in Europe, handling around 570 mt of tonnage each year through 120 commercial ports. By nature of our climate many foods cannot be produced within the UK, such as bananas, tea, coffee and cocoa. Some food such as fruit would only be available seasonally without imports. Only 1% of food imports arrive by air - the rest by ship. You may have thought about 'food miles' or buying Fairtrade but have you thought about the conditions on board the ships that bring these goods to us?

It falls to a charity to provide extremely basic services which most people wouldn’t call a privilege, but for many seafarers that is exactly what they are. Apostleship of the Sea helps the seafarers living in isolated, lonely and tough conditions by providing both physical aid and pastoral care, such as small on-board libraries, seafarers centres situated in ports which crew can get to quickly – very important when only a few hours off duty is available - and numerous other services.

 

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.