Quadriplegic Woman Sailing Solo Across The Channel Today in World First

Press Release: Tuesday 23rd August 2005

Hilary Lister, a quadriplegic sailor from Kent, has today set sail from Dover in an audacious attempt to become the first ever quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel. Able to move only her head, eyes and mouth she will have to overcome severe physical pain to navigate her boat unaided through one of the busiest and most treacherous shipping lanes in the world.

Alone in her 26 foot Soling keelboat, named “Malin”, Hilary left Dover at 8.25am this morning with 10 knots of wind and will be using the "sip and puff" method of steering to sail her way across the Channel to Calais, France. Despite having to endure severe mental and physical strain, Lister hopes her courageous voyage will inspire fellow sufferers to fulfill their dreams and raise awareness of disabled sailing. Hilary hopes to not only challenge the public's views on disabilities but also to raise key funds to allow more disabled people the chance to participate in a sport that she describes as having 'saved her life'.

Lister, 33, is being sponsored in her attempt by Pindar, the international print and electronic media company who have also famously sponsored another British yachtswoman, Emma Richards who became the youngest person and first British woman to complete the solo round the world yacht race, Around Alone. The UK Sailing Academy (UKSA), the world's premier sailing academy, have provided Hilary with training, berthing and made specific modifications to the boat needed for an attempt of this kind. While undertaking the challenge, Hilary, although unaided will be followed by a support vessel run by Pindar, supported by volunteer members from her yacht club. Hilary, who hopes to arrive in Calais at approximately 3pm (BST) will also enter the record books for completing the world's longest solo sail by a quadriplegic.

Hilary lives in Canterbury with her husband and has battled with her worsening medical condition for over half her life. Her active lifestyle and successful sporting career was curtailed when diagnosed with a degenerative disease during her teenage years. Tempted in her darkest moments to end her pain and suffering, an introduction to sailing in 2003 provided a fresh impetus and transformed life for Hilary.

Hilary Lister commented: "Sailing has provided me with fresh hope and determination at a time when I was at my lowest ebb. The Channel Challenge has quite literally saved my life and sailing has given me a sense of freedom I never thought would be possible again. It has been my ultimate ambition to sail alone across the English Channel and I can't thank enough all the people who have made it possible to get this far - the support really has been overwhelming. I have worked hard over the past few months training and I’m so excited to get out there and fulfil my dream."

Emma Richards: "Hilary is a truly exceptional figure. When I first met her I was inspired by her spirit and determination and I felt that the Channel Challenge was a fantastic project to be involved with. I was delighted when Pindar also pledged their support to the project and have helped make it all happen. What Hilary is doing today is an inspiration to everyone and I am thrilled to be following her from the support vessel as she undertakes this amazing challenge."

Andrew Pindar, Chairman of G.A. Pindar and Son commented: "As a business we pride ourselves on enabling our customers and employees to achieve great things. When Emma first suggested this project we realised that it was something truly remarkable and wanted to help make it happen. In supporting the Channel Challenge, Pindar wanted to give Hilary the opportunity to realise her dream. We feel privileged to be associated with Hilary and will be with her every step of the way."

For further information please contact:

Notes to Editors

  • About Hilary Lister For more information visit www.hilarylister.co.uk
  • About the Pindar Group Pindar focuses on the development and provision of integrated services to information rich publishers, from concept to delivery.
  • Parent company G A Pindar & Son Ltd, is the holding company of its three main subsidiaries, AlphaGraphics Inc, Pindar Set and Pindar plc.
  • AlphaGraphics, the rapid response franchise operations, represented in 14 countries and more than 280 stores worldwide, has maintained and strengthened its leadership position by remaining committed to technical innovation, quality leadership and high levels of service.
  • Pindar Set, the directories operations, has developed a suite of advert management software on behalf of its customer Yell, and has now extended this dedicated service to its USA team Yellow Book.
  • Pindar plc continues to help its customers publish high-quality business communications in print and electronic media at six UK and one US location. As a specialist in catalogue production the range of services includes: design, digital photography, page make-up, revolutionary content management, internet technology, mailing, fulfilment, storage and distribution. Print capabilities span digital, sheet-fed and web offset. The family-owned company was founded in 1836 in Scarborough, UK, where its head office remains today.

For more information please visit www.pindar.com

About the UKSA

The UKSA is recognised as the world’s leading Sailing Academy. It is a registered charity and non – profit making organisation. It is proud to be associated with Pindar, providing training to, amongst others, Pindar Skipper, Laurence Marriott and his Global Challenge Crew. Based at West Cowes on the Isle of Wight, it has superb modern facilities with residential accommodation and operates a fleet of over 350 craft. In addition to training adults for careers in the professional yachting industry, UKSA provide a wide range of courses and activities aimed at young people and the disabled.

For more information please visit www.uksa.org

About RYA Sailability

  • RYA Sailability is the leading UK charity for disabled sailing and is the official charity of the RYA.
  • Established to encourage and support people with disabilities to take up sailing and other boating activities and integrate them into the boating community.
  • Supports over 200 recognised sites for disabled sailing throughout the UK, which in 2003, were used by more than 15,000 disabled sailors.
  • Over 10% of the UK population are disabled and a Policy Studies Institute report has indicated that at least 60,000 of these would take up sailing if given the opportunity.

For more information please visit www.rya.org.uk/sailability

Page last updated on 20 June 2007 at 18:33

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