After more than 32 years as a Paediatrician and 25 years as ‘chief carer’ for Matthew, my disabled son, I am taking some time out to prove to myself and others that there is Life Beyond Caring. I will be sailing more than 10,000 miles from Seattle via the Panama Canal to Washington, DC, then back to the UK (Oban, then Portsmouth).

I originally applied for the Clipper Round the World Yacht race in 2016. It has taken 10 years to organise enough support for Matthew to allow me to participate. The race represents freedom and adventure, which are two things that have been in short supply living with someone who needs 24-hour a day care. Being a carer is also isolating. An unanticipated bonus of Clipper training has been the incredible camaraderie and friendships formed with fellow crew members.

I am so happy and proud to have made it through training to become part of Team Tongyeong, the first Korean port to host the race.

I am also delighted we are raising money for UNICEF, having spent my career and home life caring for children. I frequently think about families in other countries with disabled children, facing struggles similar to ours but in circumstances far worse than I can imagine.

£165 enables UNICEF to fund a wheelchair, so I am hoping to raise enough money to purchase ten.

Please give what you can.