Solo sailor in six-month sail around Britain

A doctor from Surrey is attempting an epic solo sail around Britain to raise money for the MND Association.

Dr Andrew Hill-Smith is sailing in a tiny dinghy with no cabin or support as part of a six-month journey, inspired by his friend and his uncle who both died from MND. Andrew set sail from Gosport in early April, hoping to raise £5,000.

Andrew said: “I’ve already capsized several times and broken the centre board in the first week. It’s going to continue to be hard work. The boat might break. I might physically break. But I think emotional exhaustion will be the biggest problem.”

The boat, a Laser, is less than 14-feet long. Andrew will be on his own for the duration of the trip and hopes to complete 10-50 miles per day, depending on the weather. If successful, Andrew will be only the third person to ever complete the round Britain challenge in a Laser.

Andrew was moved to attempt the feat after his uncle, David Shawcross and his friend, Guy Lidbetter died from the disease. Andrew knows it will be hard but the thought of raising vital funds will keep him going.

Andrew said: “Scotland will be tough as there are some massive tides and huge standing waves. But I’m motivated.”

The Association’s Director of Fundraising, Linda Allen said, “We are so in awe of Andrew’s immense undertaking. What a wonderful tribute to his uncle and his friend to raise money for the MND Association.”

If you would like to donate to Andrew’s fundraising page visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ laserroundtheuk3-mndassociation or follow Andrew’s adventure at www.laseraroundtheuk3.uk or on YouTube via Andrew’s YouTube channel.