Winnie’s Ocean’s Of Hope Challenge

What an amazing time we had, extraordinary experience, the super fabulous yachts, the fantastically talented skipper, the delicious bluest of blue sea, my marvelous bonkers ship mates - we worked hardish, coiling ropes, hauling ropes, catching and throwing ropes, cleating and stowing ropes.....

I want to thank all the generous people who have supported me - it was a very special adventure and a unique chance to bond with fellow MSers as we were all in the same boat(s).This experience has profoundly shifted our sense of self, extending what we know we are capable of, given us back ourselves, thank you.

Wow, it's hard to put into words how fabulous this week has been. Sailing in paradise with a wonderful crew, making new friends and meeting old friends. But for me the best thing was seeing the transformation in some inspirational people. The nervous group at the start absolutely transformed into confident happy sailors. The mental and physical journey I saw was simply amazing. I have never cried so many tears of joy and I was not the only one. It was such a special time and i am so glad the sailing sclerosis spirit is spreading. I know this won't be the last time we adventure together. You are all amazing and yes, I am crying as I write this.

Nicola Kaufman.

People here are doing amazingly. We are witnessing each other getting on with the tasks in hand, be it hauling on ropes, raising the anchor or getting out of a ships bunk. We are sharing stories of diets, remedies, life experiences and losses, management of symptoms and consultants, and deeply felt fears .

We have been having fun on and in the water. There has been a lot of weather, hot sun to terrential rain storms.

Be calmed and fine fast sailing with all sails full and a challenge to helm.

Did I mention the turtles?

hi peeps, this is the first chance to charge my phone and use wifi. Here I am, along with 41 other sea dogs sitting under a Turkish starry Sky, flashes of lightening illuminating the surrounding mountains. Today I woke up in my top bunk, below me is Billy from Brighton, there are 7 on board our boat , our skipper is Jens, para Olympic champion and solo Pacific sailor, we are in good hands.

I woke to the sound of joyous splashing, we were anchored in a beautiful bay, steep sides dense with trees. A small beach with a Neat olive grove. Inky blue black water, so clear we could see to the bottom 30 ft below, We spotted sea turtles and sea urchins, jumping fish and phosphorescent critters in neon blue and lime green.

The sea is fresh, not too cold and clearer than looking through air, I'm so glad I brought along a snorkel and mask.

We did a big plastic clear up, using the big boats little tenders to take us to the beach. It was blissfully Arcadian amid the twisted olive trees ( a 3ft snake hung down and surprised us.) we saw 3 tortoises and hundreds of Dragonflies.

After a sudden and fierce squall, we set off to join the other 5 boats, witnessing a glorious complete rainbow starting and finishing in the sea, so close to the boat I reached out to try to touch it.

We are a motley crew, Half are wheel chair users.

this will be my home from tomorrow night!

I went to the MS therapy centre today to get topped up with oxygen, my ears did not like the compression (33ft),

This is me in the oxygen tank hoping my ears will survive the flight tomorrow - note new hair cut!

i've never had a problem before, my suspicion is I'm brewing a cold, little sore in the throat, some sneezing ( any infection sets off my MS symptoms) so, i'm now in bed with a sage tea and my list of things still to do. trying to empty my camera of images, a notice flashes up saying the external hard drive is dead. Thats a problem for another day.

Having left my wallet at home today, I will be picking up Turkish currency in the morning, Taxi ordered for 1pm, flight at 3.40pm I arrive in Dalaman at 9.50pm to be met by Ahmed with the orange Oceans of Hope tee shirt and sign board - all being well.

Wonderful response to my funding request, thank you all for your generosity and interest. I am very grateful and some what relieved as there are many unexpected costs to be covered, which I'm trusting will be, with the help of my wonderful friends and family and from unknown sources too.

The crew have started to gather in Gocek, in south west Turkey. I fly from Bristol on Saturday afternoon. I have my bag packed and my travel clothes in an expectant pile, ship shape n brizzol fashion. I just went to pick up the Turkish currency I ordered, after queuing for 25 minuets, with nowhere to rest,was told there had been a problem, the Post Office manager apologised and refunded me. Another job for tomorrow, luckily they have Turkish lire in stock in a main branch, but that's a drive away and could do without the extra task at this stage. It's 'little' set backs like this which remind you you've got MS. I'm now lying down, drained from the queuing and aware I must pace myself before the journey on SaturDay.

Tomorrow I go tO the MS therapy centre for my weekly oXygen and Accupuncture sessions. The next day the Big adventure begins. Oh me oh my, oh blimey