In August 2017, only 3 months after giving birth, my cousin Polly Birch, aged 32, died of cancer. She was a vet by training, but particularly loved sailing as a result of her childhood association with the Island. Her family thought it was appropriate to set up a fund to give the opportunity to Island children to have the chance to learn to sail. ‘Polly's Fund’ was set up to offer a special opportunity to Isle of Wight children to apply for a five-day sailing or water sports course during their summer holidays for just £20, enabling them to have fun, be adventurous and learn new skills through participation in outdoor activities. This was done in association with UKSA, whose mantra is in harnessing the power of the sea to transform the lives of young people. As a National Maritime Youth Charity and the largest RYA training centre in the world, the breadth of their courses and beneficiaries make it a truly unique organisation.

By the summer of 2018, 33 Isle of Wight children were able to take part and have a summer of adventure and learning. In 2019, 90 children were given the opportunity thanks largely to monies donated by BBC Children In Need and the family and friends of Polly Birch. For many, it sparked in them a passion for sailing and water sports.

On September 25th and 26th, my plan is to walk round the Isle of Wight, which, if I don’t get lost, is about 66 miles and raise money for the charity. Starting at Totland Bay, via Cowes and finishing the first day at Bembridge. Followed by a second day going via Ventnor back to Totland. If anyone would like to join the walk and be willing to get sponsored, the more the merrier. But I would also welcome anyone who would just like to walk sections of the Island with me or offer a pit stop to sustain me! Thanks to your incredible generosity I have  raised the £5000 target.  To run the programme for a year they need £10,000 so I am now aiming towards achieving this so please keep the donations coming!