Sailing the Fastnet to Support Brain Injury Survivors – My Journey Back

In 2023, I sustained a severe brain injury and a broken neck while in Antigua. I was medevac’d to Miami, where I spent two weeks in ICU. I underwent emergency surgery to stop the bleeding on my brain, and surgeons fitted 15 metal plates to reconstruct my skull. It’s been a long and difficult recovery—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Last year, I was incredibly fortunate to return to professional sailing. In 2025, I’ll be co-skippering Black Dog VI with Stuart Sawyer in the RORC Series and racing in the Fastnet as part of the highly competitive Class 40 fleet. It’s a huge step back into offshore racing—and one I don’t take for granted.

As part of this project, I’m raising money and awareness for Headway UK, the brain injury charity. At the time of my injury, we didn’t know about them—but they could have made a real difference. I want to make sure others in similar situations know they exist, and know they’re not alone. Headway does incredible work supporting people through life after brain injury.

I also want to show that there is life after brain injury. It might be different, but it’s still full of potential. You can still achieve your goals—whatever they may be.

Thank you for supporting me, and for supporting Headway UK.