Paper mache catamaran set to raise funds & world record

IT'S ALL hands on deck for new local charity 'Bedfelloes', as the building of their paper maché catamaran gets underway.

Founders of Bedfelloes, (which is currently waiting charitable status) John Woolgar and Barry Wright, have teamed up with Bexhill's eco-friendly paper mach coffin maker, Dennis Marshall, who, with the exception of the sail, is attempting to make the nautical replica entirely from paper mach.

John, who lives in Springfield Road, explained that the money they raise will go to the Intensive Trauma Unit at the Conquest Hospital, whom he said, saved his wife, Hilary's, life on more than one occasion.

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"Hilary suffers from Crohn's disease and has had four major operations. She spent six weeks in the ITU in June 2008 and has been in and out of hospital ever since. The ITU at the Conquest was fantastic and they saved her life four times."

He added: "Not only were they brilliant with Hilary, but the way they looked after me and the way they treat visitors is phenomenal."

In order to show his gratitude, John came up with the idea of forming a charity to raise funds for the unit and Barry, a helper at Work & Leisurewear in London Road, came on board.

The catamaran is Bedfelloes first project, but already it is receiving the support of many local people and businesses.

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With the full backing of the Conquest hospital, Barry said they are planning many more events in the near future and has an ambitious target in mind.

"We would like to raise 75,000 by Christmas Eve and the Conquest are happy for us to raise this money. John was fortunate to have the ITU save his wife's life, and as we speak to many other people we are finding it is touching the hearts of friends and families alike."

He added: "Apart from the catamaran we are organising a parachute jump, an abseil, a pier to pier walk, and much more."

They are hoping the catamaran will be completed by the end of July as they have a special trip planned for it's maiden voyage, and they are urgently seeking sponsorship and volunteers to help make the replica vessel, and for the other challenges they have coming up.

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John said: "We are hoping to make the Guinness Book of records and to sail the catamaran, with a crew of three on board, from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight for Cowes Week."

With the first part of the catamaran now nearing completion, Dennis anticipates that it will take approximately another three months to finish and they will then hold a number of local off-shore test runs to ensure the vessel is sea-worthy.

For further information email Barry at: [email protected] or call (01424) 736858.

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