Learn to sail in aid of people with Parkinsons

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO SAIL IN AID OF PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S

The Parkinson’s Disease Society is delighted to announce that it is organising its most adventurous fundraising challenge yet - Sail the Island Adventure 2005. During May Bank Holiday weekend, 29 April to 2 May, up to 70 aspiring sailors will be given the opportunity to learn how to crew a 40 foot yacht in race conditions. The event is to be set in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight.

The Sail the Island Adventure is a fundraising challenge in aid of the Parkinson’s Disease Society and aims to raise £10,000 for people with Parkinson’s across the UK. Partners for the event are ‘Spirit Sailing’ - a Royal Yachting Association accredited sailing school, based in the Solent.

Over the weekend participants, in crews of six, will be given just one day to practise their skills before being challenged to compete against each other in a race around the Isle of Wight. The winning yacht will receive the inaugural Race Winners Trophy.

Hugo Middlemas, Director of Fundraising at the PDS said, “Sail the Island is an innovative fundraising event offering people, who haven’t sailed before, the chance to learn and compete whilst raising money for a very important cause - people with Parkinson’s. This exciting new venture will provide an opportunity for thrill seekers to test themselves to the full during an intense and fun-filled weekend! I do hope many of you will accept this challenge.”

Steve Le Butt, Principal of Spirit Sailing Ltd said, “We are delighted to be able to help in the organisation of this fantastic event, any good reason to get more people onto the water having fun is worthwhile - what better reason could there be than to raise money for this wonderful charity. My father has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease so I know the how it effects all aspects of people’s lives, everyday. I am whole-heartedly committed to this brilliant fundraising adventure.

The PDS is looking for people enthusiastic to take part in this fundraising event. To get involved and find out more information please contact Anne Durrant on 020 7963 9319 or email to adurrant@parkinsons.org.uk Alternatively you can visit our website at www.parkinsons.org.uk/sailing