“I’ll run a marathon for the JST if it means someone will feel sand on their feet for the first time.”

Michelle sails with the JST as a Bosun’s Mate, one of the volunteer roles on board Tenacious.

Dani experienced her first JST voyage recently, which is where she met Michelle. In 2017, Dani was left with a spinal injury after a catastrophic rugby tackle.

Together they will be taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Supporting each other, Dani will be doing the course in her wheelchair with Michelle running by her side.

Michelle says:

“I’ve seen countless people benefit from a JST voyage – whether they’ve been physically disabled, dealing with a long-term health condition or something else. As one of the voyage crew once said to me, it’s the only week of the year when I don’t feel disabled.

So it was a no-brainer for me to give back to this charity who do so much for so many. I’m hoping to raise enough funds for one of those beach buggy chairs. This amazing piece of kit allows wheelchair users the equal opportunity to enjoy the beach as well as the water. Not only does it go on the sand, but it also floats in the water.

It’s an honour to do this if it means someone will feel sand on their feet for the first time.

I met Dani for the first time on my last voyage and she blew my mind. If she can do it, I can do it. So we’re taking on the London half marathon together in a few weeks’ time.

I can’t wait – please support us if you can”.

Dani adds:

“Never did I think I’d be on a Tall Ship sailing with eight other wheelchair users on board, doing all the things non-disabled people could do.

Meeting others on board battling their disabilities was inspiring and I had the most amazing week. What a brilliant bunch of memories – thank you JST.”

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You can support Michelle and Dani by visiting Michelle’s Facebook page