
Tim's Tall Ships Challenge 2020
Donation protected
Hi everyone, and welcome to Tim Rice’s gofundme page for the Tall Ships Challenge 2020!
Last year, my dad and I took part in the first Spinal Injuries Ireland Tall Ships Challenge, sailing from Cork to Poole on the Lord Nelson. It was an incredible experience. Honestly it's hard to put the amazing voyage into words, but you can check out a video of our trip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xkbKBIUVp4&t=61s
This year, we're going again! This time we will be taking part in the Tall Ship races, sailing from Cadiz, Spain to Lisbon, Portugal.

Background on my dad:
For those of you that might not know, in July 2017 my dad had to have emergency surgery at the Mater hospital to stabilise his spine after multiple vertebrae in his back were damaged. He had 6 nuts and bolts put in to relieve a spinal compression caused by prostate cancer (he received a small amount of radium treatment on his back, and is now taking medication to control the cancer, which is thankfully working!). He spent 3 months in Vincents before getting a space in the National Rehab Hospital, where he spent a further 3 months. It was not an easy transition for any of us but he has adjusted to being in the chair in a truly inspiring way, taking on each new challenge with positivity and humour. He is now very active in the rehab hospital as a volunteer. With 3 other volunteers, Kevin, Michael and Esther, calling themselves TKMEx, he plays in the therapeutic choir and other musical events each week.

The Tall Ship Challenge:
The Tall Ship Challenge is run by Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII) and takes place on the ‘Tenacious’ Tall Ship, which has been specially designed to be fully accessible. The crew, consisting of 6 people with spinal cord injuries, their 6 assistants and 18 able-bodied people, will sail from Cadiz to Lisbon over 6 days, taking part in Parade of Sails, as well as other tall ship races festivities. The website states: "This is a fully inclusive challenge like no other, that will mean adventure and life-long memories for all who take part. The aim of this challenge is to give people of all abilities the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and push themselves further than they thought possible, whilst also raising vital funds for Spinal Injuries Ireland services… Together on this challenge we hope to prove that every person and every body is valuable and valued equally. All that’s needed is determination.” You can find more information here: https://spinalinjuries.ie/get-involved/the-sii-tall-ships-challenge-2020/
About Spinal Injuries Ireland:
According to the World Health Organisation a spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating and life changing injuries that a person can sustain. However, following medical and rehabilitation intervention, and with the relevant support, a SCI is not only survivable but an individual can continue to lead the life that they had envisaged prior to injury.
Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII) is the only support and service agency in Ireland for people who have sustained a spinal cord injury and their families. We provide a person centred service to assist people to engage fully in society.

In order to participate in the challenge, my dad has to raise €4000 for Spinal Injuries Ireland. Before his spinal surgery, my dad was an avid sailor. He has his skipper license and has done many trips in different parts of the world. He also previously volunteered on the tall ships when they came to Dublin. He adores sailing and after everything he’s been through this would be an amazing opportunity for him to get back on the sea and enjoy one of his passions again. If we are able to raise the money, I will be joining my dad on the ship as his assistant.
We would appreciate any donation you are able to make, regardless of how much it is (honestly every little helps!).
Thank you for taking the time to read this and donating if you can!
Jane :)

Last year, my dad and I took part in the first Spinal Injuries Ireland Tall Ships Challenge, sailing from Cork to Poole on the Lord Nelson. It was an incredible experience. Honestly it's hard to put the amazing voyage into words, but you can check out a video of our trip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xkbKBIUVp4&t=61s
This year, we're going again! This time we will be taking part in the Tall Ship races, sailing from Cadiz, Spain to Lisbon, Portugal.

Background on my dad:
For those of you that might not know, in July 2017 my dad had to have emergency surgery at the Mater hospital to stabilise his spine after multiple vertebrae in his back were damaged. He had 6 nuts and bolts put in to relieve a spinal compression caused by prostate cancer (he received a small amount of radium treatment on his back, and is now taking medication to control the cancer, which is thankfully working!). He spent 3 months in Vincents before getting a space in the National Rehab Hospital, where he spent a further 3 months. It was not an easy transition for any of us but he has adjusted to being in the chair in a truly inspiring way, taking on each new challenge with positivity and humour. He is now very active in the rehab hospital as a volunteer. With 3 other volunteers, Kevin, Michael and Esther, calling themselves TKMEx, he plays in the therapeutic choir and other musical events each week.

The Tall Ship Challenge:
The Tall Ship Challenge is run by Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII) and takes place on the ‘Tenacious’ Tall Ship, which has been specially designed to be fully accessible. The crew, consisting of 6 people with spinal cord injuries, their 6 assistants and 18 able-bodied people, will sail from Cadiz to Lisbon over 6 days, taking part in Parade of Sails, as well as other tall ship races festivities. The website states: "This is a fully inclusive challenge like no other, that will mean adventure and life-long memories for all who take part. The aim of this challenge is to give people of all abilities the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and push themselves further than they thought possible, whilst also raising vital funds for Spinal Injuries Ireland services… Together on this challenge we hope to prove that every person and every body is valuable and valued equally. All that’s needed is determination.” You can find more information here: https://spinalinjuries.ie/get-involved/the-sii-tall-ships-challenge-2020/
About Spinal Injuries Ireland:
According to the World Health Organisation a spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating and life changing injuries that a person can sustain. However, following medical and rehabilitation intervention, and with the relevant support, a SCI is not only survivable but an individual can continue to lead the life that they had envisaged prior to injury.
Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII) is the only support and service agency in Ireland for people who have sustained a spinal cord injury and their families. We provide a person centred service to assist people to engage fully in society.

In order to participate in the challenge, my dad has to raise €4000 for Spinal Injuries Ireland. Before his spinal surgery, my dad was an avid sailor. He has his skipper license and has done many trips in different parts of the world. He also previously volunteered on the tall ships when they came to Dublin. He adores sailing and after everything he’s been through this would be an amazing opportunity for him to get back on the sea and enjoy one of his passions again. If we are able to raise the money, I will be joining my dad on the ship as his assistant.
We would appreciate any donation you are able to make, regardless of how much it is (honestly every little helps!).
Thank you for taking the time to read this and donating if you can!
Jane :)

Organizer
Jane Rice
Organizer
County Dublin