I am aged 43 ? and live in Macclesfield in Cheshire. I was born with cerebral palsy. I can't walk so use an electric wheelchair, or talk so I communicate with a talker or hand signs. I live independently but require 24 hour live in care. My interests are ?? IT. I am a Trustee of Wheelies, a sports and activity club, which meets weekly to enable wheelchair users of all ages in the East Cheshire area to meet socially and do things like wheelchair basketball, bowling, dinghy sailing, cycling, indoor skiing and even paragliding!

I have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to go sailing for one week aboard the Jubilee Sailing Trust tall ship, Lord Nelson, next February, to help sail her around Antigua in the Caribbean. This is a working week where I will be expected to take part in all aspects of ship life from swabbing the decks, to preparing and serving the food, setting the sails, and steering the boat. It is particularly about meeting new people, making friends and having fun.

In order to do this I have to take my own PA to assist in all aspects of my personal care.

Our 2 places aboard the ship are being paid for by a very generous sponsor however I need to pay for our flights. I can manage to pay my own but an additional £585 plus insurance, travel from Macclesfield to Gatwick and possible overnight stay is a bit too much for me, please can you help?