Above: Peter's beloved 'Paddington' and the 'Epic' Jacob Thompson.

Greetings! My quest is twofold:

I would like to help out a dear friend and a great bloke, Peter Hoad ('Wipers'), who has recently run into bad luck. He's a talented yachtsman who makes a modest living in Barbados as a sailing instructor with his own sailing boat, Paddington. Unfortunately, in the big swells a few weeks back, his beloved boat slipped her moorings and despite best efforts to track her down, she has not been seen since.

I know that Peter regarded Paddington as more than just a means to earn money - she was his pride and joy and together they had forged many amazing memories in yacht racing and coaching sailing. However, putting sentimentality to one side, I would like to see if we could help him to buy another 2nd hand boat, so that he can resume his sailing coaching. I am sure this would raise his spirits, enabling him to continue teaching his awesome skills to the many who enjoy sailing with and learning from this talented yachtsman. Since I have come to know him, I've learned that he is a 'do anything for anyone' type of person, who never expects or wants anything in return. (He wasn't aware I was setting up this page - he'd have said a resounding 'no!' ). It would be lovely if, for once, he were on the receiving end of people's generosity and kindness.

The other half of my quest is this:

Half the money raised will be given to a charity supporting children with neuroblastoma, in honour and memory of the ‘Epic‘ Jacob Thompson, who sadly passed 19 November 2017, aged just 9. #LiveLikeAPenguin #JacobThompsonsJourney.

If you haven’t heard of Jacob’s story, please take a look on Facebook (Jacob Thompson's Journey). His parents, Roger Guay and Tara Artinyan, continue to post, to spread Jacob’s amazing legacy, so that some good can come out of their tragic loss. I know that they are so grateful and proud that their son continues to inspire people all around the world to help others. An awesome little guy who has touched so many hearts, including mine :-)

** If by some miracle the boat is found and in a repairable state (unlikely, but possible), up to half the money raised will go towards the repairs. If repairs are cheaper than the total of half the money raised, any surplus will go to UK/US children’s cancer / neuroblastoma charities, along with the 50% that is already designated for that.

One last, very special request...no money involved!

Please consider donating blood at your local blood bank (I did this for the first time 9 March in honour of Jacob and have booked the next one for 1 June), to help save lives and to improve the lives of those living with cancer. Jacob's Step-Mum, Tara, described Jacob as being like 'a wilted flower' before a transfusion. Afterwards, he had a renewed energy to get out of bed, visit a park, kick a ball, have fun with his cousins and do things that kids do, giving him a little normailty and creating special memories for his family. Priceless.

If you've reached the end of this, thank you so much for sticking with me! If you can, please donate, no matter how little. Thank you for reading, please like and share....and if you can - Do Something Amazing - Give Blood!

Thank you :-)

#LiveLikeAPenguin #JacobThompsonsJourney #JacobsWorldwidePenguinRaft