Clipper Race Start

Welcome lovely people. I have realised that there are 'newbies' who have come across my blog and it's hard to summarise a lifetime of my journey in a few words....but I'm sure you will be able to play catch up ;)

You will ascertain on the forefront that I am a very positive person living with a long term health condition and living life to the max. I choose to do this and whilst I can...I do not know what is around the corner...and know anything I would like to do..I need to try and do it now. I do have issues 'post' transplant and again I tend not to moan or talk about any of this. Sometimes....if I'm honest I put on a front and just decide to get on with things as opposed to being anything other than happy and smiley. I have wanted to write my autobiography for many years, and I am now in the of process of writing my life-story. This will be my outlet for the truth and nothing but the whole truth....it is a painful and raw process for me. Until then.....watch this space.....

A happy buzzy go get getter that I am and blocking out anything else, so, bearing that in mind I am now involved with the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race that started in July this year. I have needed to go through various sailing training levels (also detailed in my blog) and achieved new sailing RYA qualifications. My role is as a Transplant Ambassador to raise awareness on Organ Donation whilst sailing around part of the world next year.

So.......now about the race start weekend....



Clipper Clipper Clipper....go go go!! Branded, named, tagged, wrist banded for confirmation I AM part of Clipper and have VIP access to the pontoons.

Ready steady lets Race!!!!

After all my training, reality said July 31st 2011 the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race WAS starting, and I definitely wanted to be here to support this. To all the new friends that I have made and to my team Edinburgh Inspiring Capital (EIC). So much buzz all weekend with thousands of people and a lot of media frenzy cameras, film crews, and click click of peoples' phones capturing the moment.





I cannot avoid a photo moment like this and a chance for a thumbs up pose with my new friends from the race start ;)

Oops...however, I am racing ahead of myself...as I actually arrived the night before for the whole weekend ready for 31st, and found myself hanging out the 'Welcome to Yorkshire' (WtY) team. I have made many good friends and Wend (in the photo below thumbs up - definitely one of them). Nevermind Thelma and Louise, its now modernised by Wend and Jussie ;)

The WtY yacht is bright pink and I guess I fitted in with my hair for the night (so mentioned by their skipper, named Rupert)

Also with Sharon in this photo and the 'token' pink sunglasses that cost £1.00 with a shot of some kind of snapps. I just borrowed a pair of sunglasses for this photo and swiftly handed them back to their rightful new owner. (and didn't have a snapps either ;)




And here I am with Chris who I did one of my levels with and his lovely wife, Charis who took this piccie.





Ok.....another 'non' Yorkshire crew member here, with the sweet Joy or Joyful as she is called. I met Joyful staying in a local guesthouse and had many banters over breakfast.

That evening (Friday) followed by all of us going to a party arranged by Clipper in a venue with a band and to meet everyone else. It was great to meet other team crews and some with their family/friends who came along for the weekend. A long day and night and now time for me to get some sleep ready for the fun on Saturday.

Saturday was about final preps of the 10 yachts and a chance to go onto the pontoon and see the teams. Edinburgh Inspiring Capital also had our naming ceremony full with hot haggis, booze, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston making a speech with other Edinburgh representatives including our skipper, Gordon Reid. Followed by canopes and champagne. Quite a nice Saturday afternoon if I don't say so myself :)

And here I am displaying our yacht with pride! Ta - daa!!

Hey check out these kilts....not legs ;) I will also be wearing the same when I get to join my leg next year and wear for promotional/media purposes nearer the time. In the meanwhile...my 'lung' T-shirt got an airing and another chance to raise the profile on organ donation.

Here are some of us Edinburgh girls facing my camera - left to right, me, Holly, Niamh, and Anne.

And another group shot of some of the 'girls' left to right:- Sue, Anne, Holly, me, Catherine, Sarah, TT, then Karen and Lesley (front row).

Capturing the moment with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Edinburgh representatives and some of the EIC crew about to embark on leg 1.

I like this photo and for no other other reason added it into my blog ;)

And here is Sir Robin Knox-Johnston again proudly speaking for our naming ceremony of our yacht.

All the yachts lined up......not for too much longer.......

After a busy afternoon, I decided to take some 'me' time and go for a walk in Southampton city centre and have a little rest. The evening was a meal out with my some of the team crew, and I must have eaten for 2 people (well it felt that way). An amazing restaurant, great food and fab to chat away with my new friends.....and wishing well for those starting the race on Sunday. We tried to hurry up the meal as 10pm was fast approaching and Clipper were arranging fireworks!

Sunday July 31st - Race Start Day!

So after a busy day Saturday, some sleep...the real buzz was for today, the actual race start. All training done........crew and yachts ready, time to support the main event. I must admit I had butterflies in my stomach and felt quite emotional to see this happen as reality says in 10 months it will be me saying farewell for about 2 months. Then returning back to a mass of 1000's of people welcoming us all back to England.

There are many photos from this day and some with friends as below...enjoy :)

Below I am with Shona from LondonDerry

Yes....this man really is this tall (with stilts)....

And team members of EIC strutting their funky stuff in their kilts ;)

Barry and Nick

Here with Lesley

And here I am with Holly

The main stage surrounded by thousands of people in the crowds, where bands performed and later each yacht with their teams/skipper made a stage debut.

And if any doubt.....fancy being a tin of sardines??...no room to move, the crowds so deep!!

Then occasionally the main screen would switch and show the crowds...Woo!! Such an electric atmosphere really hard to describe, but, hopefully my photos depict what I felt/saw and the ambience of the day.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

And the EIC crew making their mark on the stage

Deep breath in and stretch....some random chick doing some kinda yoga exercise and making use of the space around her ;)

The time has come to wave each yacht away from the marina to make their way to the starting point of the race start at sea. Each yacht has a song that represents them and was played LOUD and hummed throughout the atsmosphere, as mooring ropes were released one yacht at a time. Our Yatch EIC played, Heather Small-Proud which you can watch and listen to the inspirational tune (click on the highlighted Heather Small - Proud).

It's a truly fabulous as this song also represents the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Quite appropriate I think :)

Seeing all the yachts depart...meant also a swift move for me and some friends to make our way onto a boat to then go out to sea and watch the yachts get to their starting point. To watch some of the race before returning back to emptiness..and no people...no buzz.......the warmth now cold as all the activity now at sea!

Now follows some more photos with a brief description of the duration at sea.

Here I am with Wend on board a spectator boat holding champagne..I swear..I have no idea how that got into my hand ;)

All boats, yachts were to stay behind the HMS Illustrious pictured in the photo below, large enough for everyone to see! Amazing to be watching the activity start....

Peering my head over to try and get a shot of all the yachts in the distance.

Woohoo got a couple close ups of two yachts neck and neck

And here is EIC getting going :)

Caught in a breeze with Catherine and Sarah

Hows that for close up action, Derry-Londonderry sailing past the spectator boat that I was on.

I waved and looked at the reaction I got back ;)

In the captain's quarter below, and with Adam Tuffnell who organised one of the spectator boats for the race start. I simply went to say hello and next thing I knew, my voice was being aired and questions asked about my leg/my transplant for all to hear. As I left the area and returned on deck ........ an applause by all....wow.

And now for the professional photos, taken from the Clipper 11-12 website

Clipper's photos at sea are fantastic and capture the whole scene together...if only I was in a helicopter taking the photos ;)

So...that's it! The race has started!!!! I fly out to New York end May 2012 - to start my leg early June and sail 4,000 miles at sea thereafter.......

Oh and a quick update with the Olympic Torch nominations...Woohoo!! I've been shortlisted - wow!! ( I found out by email 8/11/11). And bizarely from all the nominations I recieved, it was my Dad's that got me through and I am very grateful to all who did nominate me!!

Dear Justine Laymond,
Congratulations! As you know, Barry Laymond nominated you to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer through our ‘Moment to shine’ campaign.We are delighted to let you know that you have made it through to the next stage of the process. The nomination provided will be reviewed by one of our 12 regional selection panels. They will be looking for 2,012 individuals with the most inspirational stories of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community.If successful, you will be offered a place as one of the 8,000 Torchbearers needed in total for the Olympic Torch Relay, joining those chosen through our Presenting Partners' public nomination campaigns.

And now I will find out in December if I am one of the lucky ones. Whatever the outcome, I feel very blessed/humble that my story has been recognised and even if I get no further it is still an achievement to get this far. There are many wonderful inspirational people and whoever does get to carry the torch will be very worthy.

I could carry on talking...but I will save that for another blog update on news another time.

I would just like to end on wishing a dear friend of mine Rachey Wakefield a speedy recovery who is so very poorly at the moment (also a double-lung transplantee) and having a rough time with her health.

Keep smiling everyone and be grateful for each breathe you take xx

Ahoy Sailor !

Level 3


Yippy!!!! Above is my home when I get to compete in my leg at sea next year. Welcome to the Edinburgh Inspiring Capital yacht!! Doesn't it look kool - you would never believe the luxury inside - double beds/mod cons/ensuites/state of the art kitchen/lounge quarters and a 50' flat screen TV............hold up! You believe that? Well for about 2months all will be back to basics - no mod cons, no luxury, no privacy and that is the first challenge. I do like to pamper and look and feel good, but no time for makeup/hair/nice clothes. All about being practical and being part of a team and helping each other to win!!!!!!

I have now completed all my courses, and this blog will detail my last 2 training courses, that I did back to back (wish I had a break but only dates I could do inbetween all my other commitments/transplant games). And, in a way I thought would be good as give me a feel for a longer duration at sea and a reality for what is to come. I normally blog day by day and managed to make notes in my notebook for level 3...so that format will follow. However, level 4........hahahahahaha..if only...wait until I write about that...

What do you think of my strategically placed Henri Lloyd shoes under this Clipper logo....you would never know I am an artist? Oh, and if you didn't know - I am! Another story for another time.......




So, let the fun begin level 3 crew:- (left to right) Antonio, Lynn, Richard, Anne, Jami and me in this opening scene 'welcome to our lounge' :)

I actually arrived the night before and glad I did as driving tires me out and wanted to be on form ready for my 1st week at sea. This week was to go over all that has been learnt over levels 1 and 2 and to be ready to do a mini race against the other 10 Clipper yachts ready for level 4. I got to meet some great people (have done on every level) and people that I will be racing against too when the race actually starts. Friends for now...enemies when racing and friends again when Edinburgh Inspiring Capital wins ;) x

Hey, don't we look sexy in our sailing gear! Yes, I know your jealous...left to right in this photo:- Kate, Tom 1, Anne, Me, Tom 2, Antonio, Richard, Steve, John, and Jami.

The first night was a safety training de-brief then pub!! hahaha. I didn't sleep much but loved my Gauss sleeping bag (minus the thermal layer). Having had 2 different sleeping bags over the previous levels....it didn't take me long to realise I needed the real thing for comfort and warmth, only took me 2 failed attempts to get it right. Better late than never ;)

The next day (Saturday) more de-briefing then ready to sail for the morning and stay at sea. Plenty of drills and then to a watch system 6 hours day then switching to a 4 hour night watch system. The main sail up as below and check the beauty of the blue sky :)

Check out all our beaming smiles as we chill - sailing like this is bliss....not always this way (level 4 was not the case, and you will need to read on to find out).

I still manage to get my 'pink' in and that is my only glamour on board.

Night watch is actually very hard - just trying to keep awake! You do eventually adjust but it can take a few days for your body to get used to a watch system. There are many challenges with sailing not just the back to basics, but lack of sleep and mentally being strong to deal with this, people skills and sea sickness, and other things. Unfortunately, quite a few people on this level was attacked by the green monster. I was lying in my sling (well it isnt much..lol) and thinking how confident I was feeling NOT being sick and how I could boast about this here in my blog. After 4 hours, and time to get on deck for night watch duty....eek....erkkk....oops.....crikey...I'm running for the heads (toilets) and both were being used......I managed to shout out LOUD "hurry up"!!!!!!!! Needless to say.....the green monster greeted me with helllllooooooo - and gotya!! After that...the rest of the week I was fine, phew.

The next day, was as an engineer role but I must state that after a while at sea/watch systems...I had no concept for day/times. As engineer I needed check the engine with Jami and also check the bilges in the yacht to remove any excess water, and log entries. There was a leak from one of the heads - and the smell...........cripes!!! You don't need know need that...

Anyways, check out breakfast in the morning a lovely start to the day, and nice when the sea behaves. Many meals I have had with added waves seasoning my food with salt!! Coffee and salt water, cornish pasties with baked beans and salty waves - hmmmm......Jamie Oliver there's a new recipe for you :) But, you get so hungry and eat anything and lots of carbohydrate based foods with rice/pasta.

Think it is Monday now......and lack of sleep really starting to get to me, and feeling like utter crap and having to get on deck for 4am-8am. There is no air below deck and trying to sleep in intense heat is a mare, and I think I never actually slept in my sleeping as so hot below..but had the comfort of lying ontop of it.

Ok now welcome to a selection of gallery photos with a little description.......some chick on the coffee grinder :)

Jami demonstrating some dish cloth skills in the galley.......urm...ok ;)

Giving chase to another yacht....

I just love this photo - so had to share it here, do you like how I managed to capture a yacht in the horizon ;)

Eek!! 45' angle all harnessed in, but, deep down exciting!!!

And for any doubt below deck the crew swinging about like monkeys.....you would think we were all drunk as no one was able to stand up straight!!

I really enjoy capturing shots like this as night falling and how amazing to be at sea.

The last 2 days of sailing took us across the English Channel to France, Guernsey and surrounding Channel Islands, and finally to Alderney where we moored up and escaped to a local pub with other level 3's training. We actually moored onto a buoy and got a water taxi to land...lol....all in the fun. I had a shower too whilst there (and that IS luxury)!

Again, sleep - what's that? I can't remember what day it was (think maybe last but one day), but I woke up early for mother watch duty and felt totally de-energised and unable to do anything. No sleep all week having had an effect on me. I think I crashed out on/off after feeling shakey for hours and knew I had to snap out of feeling like this and get ready to be 'mother'. Somehow I did and my adrenalin keeps me alive and going through tough times like this.

The last day was to sail back to Gosport and the sea changed with massive waves and the yacht was at an angle and again we were all harnessed above deck. So after my lack of sleep, feeling unwell for a few hours from this and being mother for the crew. I also had a great fall down below....I went to get biscuits for the crew and then the yacht tilted the opposite way and I was left swaying down below and I was hanging on for dear life to the area where the food was. I knew if I let go I would fall into a wall the other side. I screamed out for someone to help me...no one was about just then and the others sleeping off watch. I did fall and hit the wall then amazingly then fell back the other way straight on my back onto the floor. The sound/impact stirred a couple of people and one actually witnessed my fall as I screamed out, and said it was good!! Haha...humour never lost when in pain. I think I was a little dazed but wanted to get up and back on deck as being below when rocky makes me feel sick. So, I was like help me up..feeling tender and looking forward to a large bruise all down my body, smiled, laughed and brought the biscuits on deck finally!

Smiley me here, but no idea what day this was taken..hahaha, as said days just disappear into the sea. But, a it's wrap for level 3 and I now have 1 night to rest and get ready for it all to start again the next day........

Level 4

No notes no time to write anything down...just memories and photos..so please sit back and enjoy my last edition to sailing training. This week was to sail with our Skipper in the race, Gordon Reid and some of my actual crew (though not necessarily doing the same leg as me). Also to do more drills and an actual race with all the other Clipper yachts. Plenty of night sailing/watch systems and blocked heads...ewwwww!!!

The first few days were like a dream - gorgeous sunny weather calm seas and paradise blue skies. A pace somewhat more relaxed than level 3 and secretly quite relieved as still trying to catch up from lack of sleep/exhaustion.

Here we are having giggles with Robyn, me, Alan and Tom...it's important to have laughs and a plenty we did :)

Part of the drills were a session in knots.....oops....I went into mini panic thinking can I remember all of them, and we were in our watch teams competing against each other. Thankfully, I got them right except some took longer to do than others. And Gordon (skipper) then checked every knot and helped those still unsure. It was a good exercise, fun, but with a serious undertone as it's important to be able to do knots correctly!

One of the days involved a photo shoot to be used for promotional materials for Clipper 11-12. It was supposed to be the week prior (not sure why it didn't happen then). However, I wasn't complaining....a media blitz..love it! We were to wait for a helicopter to come and take photos of all the 10 yachts then do individual yacht shots. A formation was needed to be done and the skipper showed us the layout and which order we needed to be in. It seemed like hours we waited so we all simply laid down on the high side with our feet hanging over. Eyes closed trying to get 5 mins catch up, then Gordon said helicopter is here and everyone bolted up! No helicopter..bah, so we all lied down again and shut eyes. "helicopter is here" Gordon shouts again...we all wake up again only to see no helicopter. This must have gone on for about 30-40 mins and I think Gordon enjoyed seeing us snooze then wake us up...jokes!

However, the helicopter DID arrive and photos were taken, then time to set sail and carry on with the day.

Quite exciting to see all of the other yachts........

In the photo below is Steve (Professor of Transplantation Surgery), who set up the Transplant Ambassador scheme with Darius (transplant surgeon) and TT (transplant co-ordinator) having a chilled down time moment.

Here is also the link if anyone would like to help me give back Transplant Ambassador Fundraising Page

Thanks xx

No one wants there to be injury, man over board, sinking yacht...but, it is important to re-emphasize safety drills over and over again. A feature that has strongly dominated across each level. Level 4 was no exception and I was the apparent 'unconscious' casualty on the bow and needed to be safely moved and put below deck. The crew needed to work out the best way to do this and incase injury how to carry me...and here I am strapped in a hospital bunk and tied with ropes. Apologies as I couldn't help laughing and talking at this time and many other followed and laughed telling me I was the worst 'unconscious' person ;)

Supporting crew (left to right) Callum, Lynn, TT, Nick, Justin, Steve and Pru.

A serious exercise, but one that was exectuted extremely well and I felt very safe and was maneuvered perfectly below. I hope this never happens to anyone - but, I feel confident as a team we can do this. I did manage a 'thumbs up' and smile below falling unconscious again.....

Sheer bliss here enjoying the sun.....blue seas.......

Here I am and also getting ready to flake a sail (sitting down) and waiting to be crushed once the sail has been flaked into a sail bag. Tip....great way to get a flat tummy quick or a case of breathe in!!!

Nick, TT, Pru and I having a thinking moment.......

I have mentioned how glorious the weather/seas have been so far.....but that all changed the day after the photo shoot. I was actually quite poorly for 2 days - not eating and being sick for that duration! The sea/weather changed to a force 8 and I found myself really struggling to cope. No photos were taken then - no sight or sound from me......quiet as a mouse. I felt so 'unme' and didn't like how I felt. I wasn't the one affected and out of a 19 crew (including skipper who wasn't sick) 16 were sick at some point!! Only a few of us were so bad that we couldnt get on deck for watch duties and were bed bound (including me). What a shock......reminding me on my days bed bound in hospital. I felt so ill that I couldn't even move..barely talk..couldn't eat and needed to go to the toilet, but, frustrated as not able to get up. Sadly, throwing up everywhere (sorry if you are eating..hahaha whilst reading this) and given a bucket - that became my best friend.

I ended up on one occassion throwing up my immuno-suppressants that keep me alive and got so worried. Thankfully, for me I had a few transplant doctors onboard who gave me advice and kept checking I was ok. I won't lie I hit such a low and thought I can't do this and became so upset. And thought that I need to be removed - airlifted to be precise (go out in style) and get to hospital for some ivs and rest. I remember before leaving for these courses my Mum saying if it gets bad to go and look after my health. I thought I would be letting everyone down and gutted.

However.......I am not a quitter...I AM a fighter!!!!!! I have endured so much in my life and this is just another case of overcoming mental attitude over health. I am pleased to say, I turned a corner.......managed to get out of my bunk...made the toilet..hahaha...and get on deck! After, almost 2 days of no noise from me...I finally felt..woohooooo ALIVE again and back to laughing and joking. The crew were glad to "have ME back" so I was told :)

Even though this happened..in a way I'm glad it did and I know sailing won't always be easy and I needed to experience the roughness...to know the real challenges that lie infront of me. The only way I can describe it as a bizarre parrallel is that to my 15 lung collapses. Each lung collapse was traumatic and so painful ......but after each one I knew what to expect..how to cope..how to tolerate the pain...how to mentally focus and stay alive. Being sea sick is no way the same as having a lung collapse but if I can get through them - then if I get ill again at sea...I will know how to cope....tolerate..mentally focus and get through it!!

Through the lows...will be high times...and I captured this amazing sunset after being unwell, makes it worth it and all I can is, "breath-taking".

Well, that's almost a wrap..time to get back to Gosport for another deep clean and time to get back to reality.

And welcome to the chaos of all 10 yachts having a deep clean stripping all below and cleaning which takes a few hours.




I have now finished all my training for Clipper 11-12 and have 10 months until I do my leg at sea. I can't believe it - I've done it. I have achieved what I thought the impossible and feel confident I can sail around part of the world and be a transplant ambassador in the process. I have made so many wonderful new friends..had so many laughs...struggled at times.....overcome sea-sickness, shed some tears and what a journey.....

I am a sailor!!!!

But, the real journey is yet to happen next year. I cannot sign off without actually saying none of this would have been possible without my gift of 'lungs' from my donor. And, I actually was at sea for my 5th transplant anniversary and on that day, July 9th......

I had moments where I just looked into the sea and smiled to myself, thought and thanked my donor and captured like a camera every moment and said,

"WOW"

xxxxx