The Best of Camberley has just spoken to local businessman, John Fairley regarding the dramatic ending to The ARC Yacht Race in St Lucia where was hoping to raise many thousands of pounds for Help4Heroes and in particular Headley Court rehabilitation centre. The race was progressing very well with John crewing on the 52ft yacht Great Escape bound for St Lucia and the finishing line.
The yacht was only 300 miles out, when John was taken very ill, (with what turned out to be kidney stones). Having been administered with morphine, he had to be evacuted from the yacht for his and the rest of the crew's safety.
Amazingly, he was rescued by the crew of one of the world's most largest and luxurious super-yachts. Having been made comfortable aboard this floating palace, he was airlifted by a French Naval helicopter to the island of Martinique.
More drama was to follow, when in his determination to finish the race aboard, he commandered a speed boat to intercept the Great Escape and rejoined his crew together with the requisite bottles of Champagne!
It was an incredible adventure that has, so far, raised around £10,000 for Help4Heroes.
This was a brilliant effort by somebody closely associated with the realities of war, and every penny will go direct to the fund. John financed the trip and all the publicity materials from his own resources.
If you want to donate, it's not too late. Please go to http://www.thearc-h4h.co.uk/ and help Headley Court rehabilitation centre at Leatherhead maintain the incredible work they are carrying out for injured military personnel.
