Fundraiser completes ambitious challenge to sail round Britain

A determined fundraiser has overcome turbulent weather and the odd capsize to conclude an epic sailing challenge around Britain in support of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. 

Dr Andrew Hill-Smith arrived back at Gosport after spending 101 days at sea, sailing single-handedly, and unassisted around the coast of mainland Britain in a tiny dinghy. 

His small boat, a Laser called HMS Betty, had no cabin and was only 14ft long. After recently retiring, Andrew bravely set sail from Gosport on 10 April, hoping to raise £5000 for the MND Association. 

"I feel really pleased. There have been loads of highs and lows. Portland Bill was a real challenge. But I got here."

Dr Andrew Hill-Smith

Andrew is the third person ever to complete the ‘around Britain’ challenge in a Laser and has done so more quickly than he thought. He completed the 2100 mile adventure in just 20 weeks, sleeping in various sailing clubs, strangers’ homes and camping along the way. 

Andrew was moved to attempt the feat to raise money after his uncle, David Shawcross and his friend, Guy Lidbetter, died of MND. Although the challenge Andrew set himself has been hard, the thought of raising vital funds kept him going. 

“I’m supporting the MND Association because of my uncle. The MND Association is a great charity and we want to find a cure.”

Andrew Hill-Smith

Andrew has already hit his £5000 target and hopes more funds will be donated. 

“We are so in awe of Andrew’s immense undertaking. What a wonderful tribute to his uncle to raise money for the MND Association.”

Amy Kilpatrick, National Fundraising Manager for the MND Association