I am planning to race across the Atlantic from Cape Verde Islands, off the African coast, to Barbados on a Farr 65, "Spirit of Minerva" departing on 7th November 2009 with a team from JPMC.

Not only is this a personal challenge (I am getting old and heavy) but can also help me raise funds in aid of “The Ellen MacArthur Trust” who is not only one of our leading yachtswomen and has sailed across an Atlantic or two but helps kids recovering from leukaemia and cancer by taking them sailing and helping them gain their confidence back.

Of course I have been planning a fitness campaign to help me survive the large Atlantic rollers, heavy seas and the changeable weather patterns, build up my stamina and upper body strength to cope with the sail changes, three hour watch patterns, dried and tinned food and worse of all its going to be a dry boat! I am going to join the gym tomorrow.

So if you are attending "The Pink Elephant Party" on 12th November 2009 think of me and have a drink , I will be somewhere in the Atlantic hopefully heading in the right direction and leading the pack.

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

The Ellen MacArthur Trust Information

Ellen Macarthur is best known as a solo long-distance yachtswoman. On 7 February 2005 she broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe, a feat which gained her international renown. In 2003 she formed the registered charity (no. 1096491) The Ellen Macarthur Trust.

In Ellen’s words:

“These are really special kids. In many ways they are just the same as everyone else, they are interested in the same things as kids their age, they have the same goals in life, but the difference is that they do this with a huge challenge ahead of them”.

“I face challenges out on the water, but these are challenges that I choose to do. They, on the other hand, don’t have this luxury. They battle against something harder than many of us could ever imagine and they do it with the biggest smiles on their faces. To me they are truly inspirational and if the EMT can help them in their battle in any way then that is a fantastic achievement.”

The Ellen MacArthur Trust takes young people aged between 8-18 sailing to help them regain their confidence, on their way to recovery from leukaemia, cancer and other serious illness. They literally live on the boats for four days, sleeping, eating and cooking onboard, learning new skills, and helping to rebuild their confidence and look to the future.        

In Ellen’s words: “These are really special kids. In many ways they are just the same as everyone else, they are interested in the same things as kids their age, they have the same goals in life, but the difference is that they do this with a huge challenge ahead of them".

We all face challenges out on the water, but these are challenges that we choose to do. They on the other hand don’t have this luxury. They battle against something harder than many of us could ever imagine and they do it with the biggest smiles on their faces. To me they are truly inspirational and if the EMT can help them in their battle in any way then that is a fantastic achievement.

The monies raised will give up to four young people the opportunity to sail with Ellen MacArthur Trust and help them towards a full recocovery.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Ellen MacArthur Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks

Tim