I am currently preparing to take on the huge challenge of sailing across the North Pacific Ocean as a crew member in the Clipper Race, in memory of my incredible friend Chrissie Jackson. Chrissie was set to sail on The Mighty Pacific Leg, but sadly became unwell and unable to participate, so we decided together that I would compete on this leg on Chrissie’s behalf.

BACKGROUND

Having raced from Australia to China in the Clipper 2017-18 Round the World Race, Chrissie was about to set sail on Leg 6 across the North Pacific from China to Seattle when she first became unwell and required immediate medical care. Chrissie was taken to hospital and doctors found dangerous blood clots in her pelvic vein. Sadly, the race had to go on without her.

Chrissie underwent many tests and hospital visits over the rest of the year and in January 2019, she was told she had Stage 4 terminal cancer. The diagnosis came completely out of the blue and was a massive blow to her future plans and ambitions. However, using the determination, stamina and courage she needed to compete in the Clipper Race, Chrissie faced her treatment head-on. She went on to create special challenges, ‘Chemo in Cool Places’ and ‘Trials in Style’ - gaining national attention from the press and people in similar situations, and spreading inspiration with her positive attitude.

Through her charitable appeal, http://chrissiessunshineappeal.com
Chrissie raised more than £60,000 with the help of her local Cornish community, friends and family, going on to win Fundraiser of the Year for the West Country region in the Pride of Britain awards. However, her dream to cross the North Pacific remained.

Together, we came up with a solution – as a previous Clipper Race Crew member, I was to complete Leg 6 in the 2019-20 race on Chrissie’s behalf, becoming the means for Chrissie to realise her dream. With help from the Clipper Race, I was allocated as crew on CV26, the boat that Chrissie should have sailed on in 2018, and we began preparing for the challenge of crossing the North Pacific.

Chrissie and I planned the voyage together. Chrissie helped with my packing and hid small gifts and photos in my kit-bag for me to find on board. It was hugely disappointing for everyone when, like Chrissie in 2018, the plan to sail across the Pacific was interrupted, this time by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 Tragically Chrissie died on July 20 2021.

The celebration of her life in her home of Newquay was full of friends, laughter, colour and sunflowers. She was a very special person and is much missed by everyone who knew her.

Although Chrissie will not see the restart of the race, and despite all the setbacks and disappointments, Chrissies’ family and I are even more determined to complete her dream.  

As I re-join the Clipper Race and the crew of Ha Long Bay, there are several ways you can show your support, for Chrissie, for her family, for me and for Clipper:

UNICEF is the official Clipper charity. 

Please donate to show your support   

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.