I signed up for this race four years ago during one of the toughest periods of my life. Four years later this represents a myriad of things for me - a journey of self-harm, self-care and self discovery. The end of probably the most important chapter in my life and the springboard into the next. The resilience, tenacity and foolishness that being 60 years old brings - and the list goes on. Bottom line is this means a lot.

Through my work I have supported the next generation via local youth services within the NW of England so being able to support UNICEF is a very natural step - as every child counts whether locally or globally. I very rarely reach out for help but now I am - please help me and TeamDC reach its total. Many thanks.

UNICEF has been both a Charity and Team Partner for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race since the 2015-16 edition and during this time has raised £1.6 million for children around the world.

UNICEF has 15,000 people working for children in more than 190 countries, responding to emergencies and building long-term resilience. We save children's lives with vaccines, clean water, and therapeutic food. We protect children from violence, exploitation, and abuse. We empower children through quality education. And we seek to create a safe and sustainable world where children can live, learn and grow.

Every pound you raise will make a difference to every child, every day, everywhere.

- A donation of £165 could buy a wheelchair for a child with limited mobility

- A donation of £275 could buy a midwifery kit containing all of the medicines, medical supplies and sterilisation equipment for a maternity ward to support the delivery of 50 babies