On 17 March, from the historic port of Falmouth in Cornwall, Full Circle sets sail on an extraordinary expedition — a 2,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation of the United Kingdom celebrating the strength and spirit of the Armed Forces community.

I’ll be joining the crew for the first leg of the journey from Falmouth to Chatham. As someone who has never sailed before, this is definitely a personal challenge for me — stepping well outside my comfort zone and taking on something completely new.

But I’m not doing it just for the adventure.

I’m taking part to support Turn to Starboard, an incredible charity that helps serving personnel and veterans who are wounded, injured or sick. Through sailing, they give veterans the opportunity to reconnect with purpose, rebuild confidence, and rediscover the camaraderie many miss after leaving service.

Veteran suicide rates are higher than the national average, but that tragic statistic is only the visible tip of the iceberg. Beneath it are many veterans quietly struggling — with injury, trauma, loss of identity, or simply the challenge of finding their place again in civilian life.

Turn to Starboard exists to help change that.

Through sailing and shared challenge, they help veterans reconnect with themselves and others, regain confidence, and find hope again.

Full Circle will see two tall ships sail around the UK over 13 weeks, visiting 22 ports, raising awareness of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 and the power of the Armed Forces community.

The expedition also aims to raise £500,000 to create a lasting legacy by enabling Turn to Starboard to purchase Pellow, a second training vessel. This would allow them to support many more veterans in the years ahead.

If you’re able to support my challenge and help Turn to Starboard continue their life-changing work, I would be hugely grateful.