The Challenge
Project Fear began as my attempt to become the first wheelchair-user to complete a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland in a sailing boat. Little did I know at the time, but it would grow to become something far larger than I ever expected.
It has grown from being about simply my trip with my boat Fear, to being something that has motivated and inspired people. It has changed people’s perceptions of disability and showed that, with a little bit of imagination and an awful lot of hard work, truly anything is possible.
Having successfully completed the original challenge, returning home on the 30th of June 2025, I now want to push further and see what more can be achieved carrying on the legacy that began with my circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland.
In my next challenge I will attempt to take on the ‘Everest’ of sailing: a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the world. This attempt will be done as part of the WorldStar race and will see me attempt to become the first female disabled person to take this on and in doing so make history.
My condition
I am living with a progressive genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a debilitating genetic condition that means I am a full-time wheelchair user. It has also led to further physical complications that means my condition is likely life limiting.
Rather than allow this condition to take away my strength and spirit, and being sailing obsessed, I have decided to fight back with determination, to keep sailing no matter what. But I cannot do that alone.
I need your help.
I need to raise funds to allow me to take on this next challenge. The money raised will go towards equipping and adapting a boat to allow me to take on the challenge. Any donation or share helps me get one step closer to defying expectations and fulfilling my dream of sailing around the world.
The world spends an increasing amount of time telling us what we can’t do; whether that be because we have a disability or are female or come from a difficult background. I want to continue to show, through Project Fear, that the only limitation is what you can dare to dream.
My mission
1/ Create Opportunities
I believe in a world where there are more yeses than noes. I have chosen to give my record-breaking sailing attempt the name ‘Project FEAR’. As an acronym it sands for that while FEAR could mean ‘Forget Everything And Run’, I want to show the world that when faced with difficult challenges, it is better to ‘Face Everything And Rise’.
2/ Raise Awareness
I want to educate people about the reality of living with a life limiting disability, and raise awareness about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
3/ Break Boundaries
I want to prove that disability is not a limitation instead it can be a driving force.