Not All Plain Sailing Fundraising For Weston Charity

A keen sailor from Wrington has raised more than £500 for Weston Hospicecare by taking part in a yacht race - and surviving a storm in Plymouth Harbour.

Gary Clements, aged 59, took part in this year's Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit in his boat Coryphaena.

Despite appalling weather conditions he said he had a lot of fun and raised £535 for Weston Hospicecare, which provides free palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses and support to families.

Mr Clements, a sales manager, who is married with two grown up sons, said he finished towards the end of the field of about 54 yachts that finished from a starting pack of 70 boats which raced out from Plymouth, into the English Channel and back. The event takes place every year to raise money for charities across the south west, and winners also claim prize money for their chosen charity at the end of the race.

Mr Clements said: "It was a dreadful day in terms of the weather, it was raining so much. Conditions were pretty terrible and 54 boats finished out of the 70 that started. But we had a good time, I always do when I'm on my boat. I wanted to do well to claim some of the prize money for the charity but in the end I think it was about £25. I had already raised £510 for Weston Hospicecare myself, so was hoping to get much more."

Mr Clements said he had a very personal reason for raising money for Weston Hospicecare, which cared for about 800 people in North Somerset and neighbouring parts of Somerset.

He said: "About three years ago my mother died of cancer and she was very well looked after by Weston Hospicecare. So I thought this was a great way to give something back."

Mr Clements is one of many big-hearted fundraisers who support Weston Hospicecare by helping to raise the £2.4 million it needs each year to keep going.

To find out more about Weston Hospicecare and how you can help raise vital funds for the charity, call the hospice's fundraising team on 01934 423960, or log on to www.westonhospicecare.org.uk.