Sailing around Britain to save lives - Oliver is almost home

by Sail-World Cruising on 12 Oct 2011 For almost seven months, Oliver Rofix, a leukaemia survivor, has been sailing around Britain in a tiny sailing boat. In July, 2005, this previously athletic young man was diagnosed with leukaemia and, with the help of a donor and time, he was cured. Wanting to 'give something back' He started the sail to convince other young people to become donors - so far, he has an amazing 35 volunteers - 35 lives to be saved.

Now his long voyage is nearing its end, he has just five volunteers to go to make his target of 40.

The life saving donors must be within his 18-40 year old male target and healthy, and for each of the donors he is also attempting to raise £4000 to be given to Anthony Nolan, A British blood cancer charity.

Just before Oliver's transplant, he had purchased a Valiant 18 which he called Jolly Olly, and it is this small boat that he has sailed around Britain, stopping most nights in a harbour to spread the word and gather funds and volunteers.

He started his voyage this year on March 28, and expects to arrive back into St Katherine's Docks in London where he started, on October 28. His arrival time, which could vary according to the weather, is nevertheless planned to be at 1.30pm

Oliver says he 'has nothing specific planned, apart from going to the pub!'

If you're anywhere near St Katherine's Docks in London on 28th, Oliver Rofix deserves a welcome. If you would like to become a donor or make a donation, http://www.anthonynolan.org/What-you-can-do/Donate-now.aspx!click_here