Getting out of isolation and back out on the water in 2021
by Oceans of Hope UK 21 May 2021 03:30 PDT
26-29 April 2021
Oceans of Hope UK and RYA Salability logo © Oceans of Hope UK
UK based charity Oceans of Hope UK are delighted to announce our first COVID safe and socially distanced sailing event since lockdown for people with Multiple Sclerosis took place at the end of April.
Supported by Hilarys Dream Trust, and The RYA Sailability scheme and Sunsail Holidays, we were able to offer more adults living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) the life affirming experience of sailing with others with MS.
Event dates were: Monday 26th, Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th April.
We took 40 people with MS from the Hampshire area on taster sailing events from Port Solent. This is a truly uplifting story, not only for the spring back from covid, but also the release of 40 people back out into life, out into the world with this stupid and debilitating disease.
"Sailing improved my confidence and made me realise that I can do it!"
"The biggest thing about the day was the feeling of achieving something. Not only did this make me feel amazing towards my body, butit changed my mindset of my disability" Garry.
"On an oceansof hope challenge you are with friends, new or old, we all know the daily ups and downs that we have. There is no need to apologise. There is every opportunity to get on board and get on with it!" Nicola.
During the event we were followed by both BBC south and Radio Solents H2O podcast.
H2O Podcast - Sailing with multiple sclerosis - BBC Sounds
Robert Munns - Founder of Oceans of Hope Challenge UK said "this is a very exciting moment in the history of Oceans of Hope UK. After well over 12 months of isolation and shielding, our activities have virtually run aground. This fabulous event will mark our relaunch of activities. 2021 is the start of our future hopes for not only bringing new skills to people, but re-energising a sense of community for people with this chronic condition.
Robert added - I want to tell the world that disability can be changed to ability, that people diagnosed with MS should not stop trying to improve their lives. Oceans of Hope UK wants to create quality of life and value. We will show everyone that we live our lives to the fullest and that dreams can once again come true, despite having a serious disease. "Yes, we can still do it!"
"If you would like to come on board a challenge with Oceans of Hope UK or if you know of anyone with MS that would benefit please get in touch
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