This summer, aged 12, I will be the youngest ever person to take part in the Rolex Fastnet Race and I am raising funds for the Tall Ships Youth Trust to support disadvantaged and vulnerable young people to experience a life-changing voyage at sea.

My father is a keen sailor and so I was introduced to sailing from a very early age. I love the water; and swimming, sailing and diving have taught me independence and to respond to natural conditions. I've been extremely lucky in having already had many experiences at my age, and I realise that many kids have never had these opportunities.

These past two years have been especially hard with Covid-19. It has been a strain on us all and many, especially less-privileged kids, have suffered from the impact of lockdown on their mental health and wellbeing. My family and I hope to give kids and teens a chance to enjoy sailing as much as I do, and learn important life skills from the experience. I'm excited by the challenge of being the youngest ever person to take part in such an iconic sailing race as the Fastnet and also excited to support Tall Ships Youth Trust with their important work at the same time.

I am fundraising to help at least 12 disadvantaged young people overcome the damaging effects of lockdown by taking part in a potentially life-changing voyage. The experience will give them a lift, a new focus and enable them to develop the skills and confidence needed to positively move on with life.

Many young people have already achieved so much as a result of their Tall Ships experience. I hope that you will support Tall Ships so that even more young people will benefit from their activities.