A Scarisbrick man is sailing solo around Iceland and back to raise money for his daughter’s school.
Andrew Bedwell, 45, has been a keen sailor since around the age of six.
And after embarking on many sailing stops around the UK, he decided his next journey would be for something all the more worthwhile.
Currently on his biggest sail yet, Andrew spoke to the LancsLive just hours before leaving for Whitehaven Marina.
From there, on Saturday, Andrew left to sail around Iceland and back, all to raise money for Halsall St Cuthbert’s primary school in Halsall, near Ormskirk, where his daughter Poppy attends.
Andrew Bedwell said: “It’s my hobby and I’ve done sailing stops around the UK.
“The schools are losing their funding and all that so what I wanted to do was make sure the kids have an activity trail in the school and make it better for them.
“My daughter Poppy absolutely loves the school. She’s in Year One.”
Andrew added: “I’ll be sailing all the way around Iceland and back.
“Unless something goes wrong, I won’t be stopping at all.
“It’s like living in a washing machine because it’s so wet!
“And you probably have no more space than a living area.”
Andrew’s fundraising plans have been a year in progress and it will take him around three weeks to complete the journey.
Sailing on his mini transat yacht, which is only 6.5 metres long, Andrew will have no access to a toilet, bunk, heating or bath.
He will also have a minimal amount of clothes and have to follow a sleep pattern of no more than 20 minutes a time.
Andrew Bedwell said: “It’s a bit of everything.
“Absolutely it’s a huge undertaking to be away from contact.
“If anything goes wrong you are on your own.
“And the sea water is so cold.”
Andrew added: “It’s always nice to have a big personal challenge.
“And to see the school benefit as well, it’s just a double whammy.
“The whole school has got behind it.”
Pupils at Halsall St Cuthbert’s will be able to track Andrew’s progress and will be looking and learning about weather patterns and forecasts whilst following his trip.
Andrew also added how pleased he was by the support of his wife Tracy, daughter Poppy, Halsall St Cuthbert’s and the West Lancashire Yacht Club in Southport, where he is a member.
A Scarisbrick man is sailing solo around Iceland and back to raise money for his daughters school
Headteacher Doug Scholes said: “Mr Bedwell approached me last year with a view to sailing around Iceland and helping the school.
“I thought it was a great idea, though a bit mad!
“He’s explained all about his exciting expedition in an assembly and the children and parents will be able to track his progress over the next few weeks.
“He’s certainly a brave chap.
“Any money raised with help to buy more outdoor play equipment and that’s much appreciated.
“We wish him God’s speed and a safe voyage.”
To donate please visit: uk.gofundme.com/Halsall-St-Cuthberts-solo-sail-around-Iceland
