Fastnet and back for a good cause

NEWHAVEN Chamber of Commerce president Norman Mayhew is embarking on a gruelling five-day sailing challenge to raise cash for a worthy cause.

Mr Mayhew, of Mercread Road, Seaford, will sail from Plymouth to the Fastnet Rock in the Irish Sea, and back, to raise 2,000 for the St Wilfred's Hospice in Chichester.

He said: 'My destination is the Fastnet Rock, 170 nautical miles from Land's End and the turning point for the famous bi-annual Fastnet race. This is a serious offshore sailing challenge and I will be at sea for five whole days.'

The route is a tough test for even the most experienced yachtsmen. But Mr Mayhew was not deterred.

He said: 'Rounding the rock is an awesome experience and within the sailing community is considered to be a notable achievement. Over the route I will have sailed some of the most difficult waters around the British Isles and covered more than 600 nautical miles.'

St Wilfred's Hospice has running costs of 2 million per year, of which 1.5 million is raised through fund raising. It offers support and care to people with terminal illnesses and their families.

Readers who would like to sponsor Mr Mayhew can call him on 01273 512818, or send cheques payable to St Wilfred's Hospice to him at the Sussex Sign Company, Unit K, Quarry Road Industrial Estate, Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9 9DG.