Hilary Lister who is 36 and a record breaking quadriplegic sailor is said to be preparing to sail solo around Britain in a 20ft boat controlled by her breath. Hilary from Dunkirk in Kent became the first quadriplegic sailor to cross the English Channel back in 2005. She also circumnavigated the Isle of Wight in July last year, becoming the first female quadriplegic to do so.
Hilary has no movement below her neck and will control the boat by using straws to adjust the sails and tiller. Hilary has been paralysed for seven years as a result of a progressive degenerative disease, reflex sympathetic dystrophy. She is planning to start her trip in Dover, in her boat, the Artemis 20, on the 9th June and the journey is expected to take around 3 to 4 months to complete.
A rigid inflatable boat will support her on the journey and a motor entourage of two motor homes and a Land Rover will provide land support.
Last year a similar journey was completed in 109 days by Geoff Holt, who is paralysed from the chest down.
Let’s hope that she is able to complete this journey and that she remains safe while doing so.
1 response so far ↓
1 Terrible Thom // Jun 2, 2008 at 12:22 am
Hilary Lister is a terrific example of someone to be emulated by everyone, not only the obviously handicapped. I mean, who isn’t handicapped? Who hasn’t felt paralyzing fear? Fear from mental or physical injury, from loss, rejection, failure and even success?
Also what is reflex sympathetic dystrophy? What was the cause of her contracting RSD? Is it unusual for it to progress to this extent? Is it treatable? Anyway, good luck Hilary Lister, we can all learn from you.
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