I’m on a sailing mission to make a difference by raising money for the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom, and every donation counts.

When I was about 14 years old my friends and I learned how to sail together. Now we are 53 and one of those friends has just received a devastating diagnosis. I want to do something about that if I can.

Follow the journey at youtube.com/sailingfreespirit and facebook.com/svmoyana

But why Parkinson's UK?

Parkinson’s UK is driving research towards promising treatments, bringing us closer to a cure every day. In the meantime, they stand by everyone affected—fighting for fair treatment, better services, and uniting people with Parkinson’s, scientists, carers, families, and supporters to push for change.

And I've needed their support in the past... Could you need it too?

But why sailing?

I first learned to sail at 14 thanks to a school friend, which led me to owning a boat, getting qualified, and becoming a sailing instructor. Teaching young people to sail has been a joy ever since. Having lost a close relative to this devastating disease, and fearing the same for another loved one, I’ve decided to combine my passions. I’ll be circumnavigating the UK, by boat, to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Parkinson’s.

Important things to know.

Legitimate fundraising costs will need to be deducted from the total amount raised. These deductions WILL NOT cover regular maintenance or replacing usual consumables, but may include expenses like berthing fees when I haven’t been able to secure funding from marinas or others. All deduction records will be available for public review.

Update: Great news! I have had loads of marinas offer me free nights! That means more money goes to Parkinson's UK and nobody else.

Where does the money go?

There are three main areas that Parkinson's UK focuses on. Because of the reasons I'm undertaking this challenge I have decided to split the funds raised as follows.

1) 70% of all funds raised will be dedicated to getting new treatments and a cure faster

eg. providing grants and funding for Parkinson's research projects and funding the world's only Parkinson's brain tissue bank.

2) 20% will be dedicated towards pushing for excellent health and care.

eg. funding new healthcare posts (we are funding 40 new NHS posts over 3yrs), providing Parkinson's training to healthcare staff and lobbying Governement and local health boards for better services.

3) 10% will be dedicated towards building communities of support.

eg. providing support groups, physical activity sessions, a Helpline, and 1:1 in person support.