JST supporter Alan Lindfield is to climb 125 feet up the mast of Tenacious in Canary Wharf in September to help the Jubilee Sailing Trust with their 800 Challenge.
What makes this challenge so extraordinary is that Alan who is 60 years old, is himself disabled. He lost the use of his legs due to a debilitating disease meaning he must rely on a wheelchair to get around.
He will attempt to climb the dizzying heights using only his upper body strength to haul himself up to the 125 ft mast head.
Alan was clear about his reasons for wanting to take on this challenge, “I sailed with the Jubilee Sailing Trust in 2006 on my first voyage and it was one of the most exciting and fulfilling activities I have done since becoming paraplegic. Being involved with the JST has become a 'lifeline to life' for me.”
He is hoping to raise at least £1,500 for the JST as part of their ‘800 Challenge’ – a drive to get 800 volunteers to each raise £1000 in order to pay off an £800,000 loan used to he build their second ship, Tenacious.
The JST owns and operates two tall ships, Lord Nelson and Tenacious, each carries a crew of up to 50 people, 40 of them being volunteer crew made up of an equal number of disabled and able bodied people. The JST ships unique design means that everyone can sail as equals.
Aside from taking on daring challenges Alan also works on community projects as a mobility advisor. He was instrumental in planning East Sussex County Council's 13 mile ‘Cuckoo Trail’, a safe route for walkers and cyclists of all ages stretching from Heathfield to Eastbourne park.
“I want to raise the money so that the JST can continue to change other peoples' lives too. Climbing the mast will be my biggest challenge ever, so please sponsor me, every £1 will help towards my target.”
Alan will be climbing the mast of Tenacious on the 19th September 2009.
To support Alan in his mast climb attempt, please pledge your support on his Just Giving site: www.justgiving.com/alanlindfield or contact the Jubilee Sailing Trust on 023 8042 6868.
To get invoved yourself check out the london mast climb page or contact the JST on 023 8042 6868