Inspirational

Personal Everest

We get a lot of correspondence, as SA really has, in many ways, become the site of and for the people. This is one that you know we'll follow up on. Talk about inspiration.

Hi Guys

I wondered if you might be interested in publishing my story.

My name is Geoff Holt. I broke my neck in the Virgin Islands in 84 whilst skippering a charter yacht (swimming accident). I've been paralysed from the chest down ever since and I use a powered wheelchair.

For the past 15 years I've been heavily involved in disabled sailing in the UK. I help found RYA Sailability in the UK and I was RYA Sailability's inaugural Chairman, a role I held for 6 years and continued as Vice-Chairman for a further 4 years.

As a disabled sailor, I've campaigned my Hobie Cat in the disabled worlds in Australia & USA, I've also campaigned my Challenger trimaran in national events in the UK. I was the first disabled person to sail single-handed around the Isle of Wight (60 miles) in 1992 and then again in 1997 - my record still stands at 7 hours 55 minutes. A few years ago I was awarded the prestigious Royal Yachting Association's Award by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne for "Services to Yachting".

Next year I am planning to sail my 15ft trimaran around Great Britain - this will be the first time a disabled sailor has done so single-handed. It's going to take about 50 days to cover the 1,600 miles sailing about 8 hours a day. I've called the challenge Personal Everest and you can read more about it and see some video of my last trip at www.personaleverest.com.

I'm going to need 4 people to look after my personal needs and safety, both onshore and at sea. It's a mammoth undertaking and I am desperately searching for a major sponsor to help fund the project.

I already have achieved huge interest from the media in the UK and the BBC are keen to make a documentary to sell into the global networks. I also have interest in a book deal. I'd like to think that a sponsor would get huge exposure from being involved in such a motivational and unique challenge. Perhaps some of your readers might have some ideas?

Thanks for your time guys.

Cheers

Geoff
Geoff Holt
www.personaleverest.com

10/02/06