Until Hilary was introduced to sailing by a neighour, she was completely housebound. Having been an extremely active person, life as a quadriplegic seemed to her to be worthless. When she says "sailing saved my life", she means it. Able-bodied until the age of 15, she loved sports including hockey and rugby, but always felt particularly at home in the water. She developed a degenerative neurological disorder which has meant that over the years she has gradually lost the use of more and more of her body. As a paraplegic she swam and worked out in the gym several times a week. Losing the use of her arms meant that she could no longer drive, continue her work as a biochemist, or play her clarinet. More than that, the most basic tasks, like eating and washing, suddenly had to be done for her. These days she is able to move her head, but only if it is supported. It was Westbere Sailing Opportunities who first introduced Hilary to sailing in September, 2003. From the first moment in the Wayfarer she fell in love, and within minutes knew that sailing was going to become a large part of her life. WSO is a remarkable group of people who immediately see through the gadgets and disability and find the real person. They have been rewarded for their efforts in 2005 when they were won the award for the "Best Group of Volunteers" in Kent. From the Wayfarer Hilary graduated to being a passenger on a Challenger trimaran. This provided some fantastic sailing, but the frustration of being an able to sail a boat herself was growing. In mid-2004 she began to dream of being the first quadriplegic to sail across the Channel. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Pindar, UKSA and the support and practical help of many others, this dream has now come true. "I first dared to mention my dream towards the middle of August. It was pretty obvious that they thought I was a little mad, that the dream was a "some time in my life I'd love to..." type dream. Little did they know how determined I would become! I e-mailed the organisers of my sailing club almost immediately to let them know that "the crossing" was definitely on, and not only that, but that it was going to happen in the summer of 2005. To my astonishment, and perhaps to their's, their reaction was positive. Shocked, but positive. We had no idea about suitable boats, the feasibility of the project, cost and no contacts. Despite all this WSO were prepared to support me. I couldn't believe my luck! I met Emma Richards and the UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) along with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Sailability at the Boat Show in January, 2005. Without their help and support, the Channel Challenge would have been far harder to get off the ground. I must also thank Robin Gray and Pindar who have lent me the boat and provided substantial support. UKSA are providing a base from which my sea training can take place, and storage for the boat. Jeremy Wales, of Truevision TV, was also a huge driving force behind the venture".

Email this page to a friend