Hello, my name is Terry. In November 2010, just three weeks before my 48th birthday, I suffered a brain haemorrhage. I was among the fortunate 40% who survived, and though

it left me with major brain damage and a severe stroke, I am profoundly grateful for every day since.

Overnight, I lost the use of my left arm and leg and spent over two years in a wheelchair. My small gardening and handyman business vanished in an instant, and the strain eventually led to my marriage ending in 2013.

Facing this daunting new reality, I was assessed as unfit to work and relied on state disability support and a couple of small private pensions. The challenges were immense, but I never lost sight of how lucky I was to be alive, and that gave me strength.

What truly filled my heart with hope and gratitude was the chance to give back. Through

my rehabilitation and volunteering, I found purpose in helping to run local groups for stroke and Parkinson's survivors. Supporting others not only aided my own recovery but

allowed me to witness firsthand the resilience and kindness of those around me—a gift

for which I am endlessly thankful.

I’m also a volunteer patient at our regional hospital working with medical students to understand the challenges of living with a complex

disability.

One extraordinary moment was discovering accessible sailing. I will always cherish the memory of being hoisted into a specially designed boat, feeling a freedom and joy, I

thought I’d lost forever, having been an amateur ballroom dancer. It was during a dance competition in the tower ballroom in Blackpool that the brain haemorrhage happened, and my life changed in an Instant.

Sailing quickly became my new passion. After enjoying it for a few years, the onset of Covid-19

put everything on hold, but in 2023, I returned to the water with newfound appreciation.

In 2024, I was encouraged to enter the Hansa UK Travellers Trophy—my very first sailing

race.

Four challenging races tested my limits, I only managed to complete two, but

determination and gratitude for the opportunity carried me through. This year, with the

fantastic coaching and encouragement from my sailing club, I raced again at the

Nottingham TT, finishing fourth in my class alongside my sailing buddy. We recently hosted another TT event at Carsington sailing club and once more secured fourth place—a result that fills me with pride and appreciation for everyone who has helped me get this far. Now, at 62, I am a full member of the sailing club and look forward with deep gratitude

to gaining more experience through club racing. But to do this, I need a boat of my own.

The specially designed sailing boats for people with disabilities are expensive, and that's why I'm reaching out to you—with profound hope, appreciation and immense gratitude for any support you can offer.

Your generosity can make all the difference—not only for me, but for so many others with disabilities who dream of adventure and freedom. My greatest wish is to give back,

to break barriers and bring the thrill of sailing to those who never imagined such joy was

possible.

With your help in securing a boat, I can inspire others and show, as I have learned, that life after disability can be truly extraordinary.

The boat I hope to acquire is the Hansa 303, a 3.3-metre keel sailing dinghy, with a

launching trailer. I also need a road trailer, boat covers, and the necessary insurance.

Will you join me on this journey? Together, with open hearts and minds, we can put more smiles on faces and turn the wildest dreams into reality.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for considering supporting this cause.

Terry