SAILING THE IRISH SEA FOR MERCY SHIPS

With the help of friends from the Ballyholme Yacht Club, Christine and Brian Martin are organizing a sponsored sail from Bangor, North Wales to Bangor, Northern Ireland, in aid of Mercy Ships.

Setting sail at 4am on 21st July to allow 18 hours of daylight, dinghy sailors will brave the 140 nautical mile-crossing of the Irish Sea.

Christine first heard of Mercy Ships from Songs of Praise, several years ago. Later, their 7th child, Emily Grace was born with a cleft-lip-and-palate and was able to receive a wonderful repair. Emily also had a large hole in her heart and had open heart surgery at four months, following which she grew into a very happy and healthy toddler, now 2 _ years old.

Appreciative of the dedicated team of nursing and medical staff, who had accompanied them on their painful, yet inspiring journey Christine and Brian now share in the work of Mercy Ships, raising awareness and funds to provide much needed surgeries free-of-charge, in countries where there is little or no affordable healthcare available. Christine also works as a part-time midwife.

Brian is Minister at the Darbaghy and Annaclone Presbyterian Churches and has been there for 18 months. He has always been a keen sailor, and sailed to championship level in his youth, as is their son, Matthew, 14. They will both take part in the sail, which will involve 2 crews of 4, sailing the Laser dinghys single-handed in rotation. Also, with the crew is Ronnie Harris who has been helping to arrange things, and is hoping to attract 2 Olympian sailors from the Irish Olympics squad to take part.

Rooster Sailing have provided 3 laser sails with promotional graphics, and Norfolk Lines will bring the boats over, together with the escort vessels.

The organisers are looking for 3 more drivers with 4 x 4 vehicles to tow the support vessel with a dingy on top from Birkenhead to the launch point at Bangor, Wales. If you can offer support please contact : jane.palmer@mercyships.org.uk

To sponsor this great challenge event please donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/brianmartin2008