The John Merrick Sailing Trust wants to help advance the education, physical and mental development of young people in need, with a view to promoting the achievement of their potential through the sport of sailing.
After returning from Greece and completing my dinghy instructor course in 2014 thanks to Sail 4 Cancer, I wanted to continue to develop my knowledge with the aim to eventually help more people.
While volunteering at sailing clubs and commercial centres to gain more experience in the UK and abroad. I started looking at other opportunities. I found a course that I liked at an outdoor centre in Wales, but the cost was almost £4000 something, I would never be able to afford. Once again I started the long search looking for funding. After a period of time and lots of emails and applications sent I had replies from John Merrick Sailing Trust, The Rob George Foundation and eventually The Royal Southern Yacht Club Trust who at first turned me down but with my persistence I manage to persuade them so never give up if you have a dream!
As soon as the funds came in I paid for the course and in August 2015 I started my 4 months retreat in Wales. I enjoyed learning about the subjects and in December passed my RYA Powerboat Instructor, RYA Windsurf Instructor and BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach and various yachting qualifications.
In 2016 I decided to work at the centre to continue to develop my new skills and gain some more life experience with my own peer group.
With my ambitions clarified – to get into yachting and yacht racing and to work with disadvantaged people, I set up a plan of action to achieve them. Earlier on in the year I was invited down to the Marine Industry Regatta by the John Merrick Sailing Trust organised by Sunsail to race with Ian Walker, Volvo Ocean Race-winning Skipper, a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was amazing to sail with him. I learnt so much – he was so precise, incredibly focused and a great skipper considering he had half a boat full of novices. Afterwards, during the prize-giving, we found out we had come 4th overall out of 14 boats over the weekend – a great result. I was also delighted to win a Crewsaver life jacket, one that was worn on the Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi team, for being a great rookie sailor.
2017 was an incredibly busy year and my well-being has never been more important. I have volunteered on several disability projects and have taught different types of sailing to people of all ages.
I have lots of ambitions, ideas and opportunities (though always after more) to fulfil. My number one aim is to still help those who are disadvantage or ill, to support them in finding that same passion I have found which in turn will help them to develop or start healing.
None of this would have been possible without the John Merrick Sailing Trust.
They have helped me achieve my dreams and for that I am truly grateful.