2015 -16 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race for blood cancer charity

by Stephanie Cade on 16 Jan 2016 2015 -16 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - A man from Little Chalfont in Buckinghamshire will be celebrating his 50th birthday at sea as he embarks on a 12,000 mile sailing challenge across the North Pacific Ocean to raise money for blood cancer charity Bloodwise, in support of his mum who was recently diagnosed with leukaemia.

Rick Lawrence, 49, will be taking on two stages (legs six and seven) of the world famous “Clipper Round the World” sailing challenge from March to June. He will spend a combined total of 60 days on a racing boat sponsored by Garmin, navigating the turbulent ocean from China to the USA, and then around the American coast.

Rick will embark on leg six of the race on Sunday 20 March and leg seven on Thursday 28 April, celebrating his 50th birthday on 22 April.

He says: “Though I’ve always been interested in sailing, the longest amount of time I’ve spent at sea is four days. I will be totally outside of my comfort zone and there are many risks involved, particularly during the stretch from China to America where the North Pacific Ocean can produce some of the toughest weather conditions, including 70 foot waves and ice cold temperatures.

“Another big part of the challenge will be to work as a team with 19 other people, who I don’t really know, in uncomfortable and confined conditions for a month on each leg. This will be an adventure of a lifetime and I have no idea how I will cope but I will have to as I won't be able to get off!”

For the dad of two this will be a challenge like no other and for a cause extremely close to his heart. Rick’s mum, Ann, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in July 2014 after experiencing swelling in her armpit following an operation on a broken elbow. Further investigations and a blood test confirmed she had the disease which Ann’s mother - Rick’s grandmother - was diagnosed with in her sixties. Ann is now being monitored under the “Watch and Wait” scheme and is currently doing well.

She says: “To think that if it hadn't been for my elbow I perhaps wouldn’t have been diagnosed as quickly. I am proud that Rick has chosen to take this challenge on, and particularly pleased he has chosen to support Bloodwise. I know any money raised will not only help research into CLL but other types of blood cancer too which is so important, as this disease affects so many people of all ages.”

Matt Lawley, Head of Sports Events at Bloodwise, adds: “This is an incredibly tough yet unforgettable challenge that Rick’s chosen to undertake and we are very grateful that he’s chosen to support Bloodwise on his epic adventure. We wish him the best of luck out on the ocean over the next few months.”