A retired Norfolk vet and her rescue dog are walking 1,000 miles to raise vital funds for a charity which provides inclusive adventures on the UK’s largest wooden tall ship.

Sarah Lloyd (67) and Tolly (8) are putting in the miles for the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) after Sarah learnt of the global sailing experiences the charity brings to people of all abilities onboard the impressive SV Tenacious.

Sarah first spotted SV Tenacious in Frederikstad, Norway, during the Tall Ships Race in 2014. She was intrigued and impressed that even wheelchair users could be accommodated aboard and was inspired to fundraise for the JST despite not having sailed with them before.

She said:

“After hearing of the incredible work that the Jubilee Sailing Trust does, transforming the lives of so many people, I knew I had to do something to support them.

“I’ve set myself the challenge of walking 1,000 miles in six months, along with my rescue dog, Tolly. The aim is to average at least 38 miles per week. We’re both enjoying the adventure.  

“Since March 1^st, we have walked more than 700 miles together, usually on our local beach, but also on the beautiful North Norfolk Coastal Path, the Paston Way, Weavers Way and the Bure Valley Way.”

As luck would have it, Sarah’s fundraiser will end just in time for her to set sail on her first JST voyage – a 10-day trip from Lowestoft to Portland in September, a 10-day trip from Lowestoft to Portland in September that is being delivered as part of the charity’s Norfolk Berth Appeal, enabling Norfolk residents to sail.

She said:

“After several trips aboard an old Brixton trawler, I’m looking forward to being part of a crew at sea again.

“The biggest challenge I think will be a rotator cuff injury in my shoulder, which will limit the amount of hauling I can do. Due to my diabetes and fibromyalgia, I also struggle when my sleep’s interrupted, and as a result, I will find night watches difficult. This will all be part of the experience though.

“I know that whatever my limitations, JST will support me to reach my full potential. I’m very excited to be sailing on SV Tenacious at last and hope that my 1000-mile walk will inspire as many people as possible.”

Founded in 1978, the Jubilee Sailing Trust gives people of mixed abilities and circumstances the freedom to explore their ability, potential and place in the world through inclusive adventures at sea.

For more information, please visit: https://www.jst.org.uk/

To donate to Sarah and Tolly’s fundraising page, please visit: https://jubileesailingtrust.enthuse.com/pf/sarah-lloyd-d36b3

If you know of anyone from Norfolk who might be interested in sailing with Sarah in September, head to: https://jst.org.uk/voyage/lowestoft-to-portland.