My name is Michael Prendergast. I am 23 years old and I am one of 7 children. My younger brother Andrew, is 16 years old and has Down's Syndrome and is also Autistic. Everyday is a challenge for him and simple tasks to us can present themselves as major obstacles to Andrew and yet he is a very happy young man who loves to support and celebrate the achievements of all those close to him. The daily struggles and pressure that my family is put under in order to give Andrew the care that he needs is unimaginable.

On the 2nd of June 2018 I am going to be rowing from California, Monterrey to Hawaii, Honolulu as a member of Team Uniting Nations to compete in The Great Pacific Race.

I am taking part in the Great Pacific Race in order to fundraise for Down's Syndrome Scotland because it is a charity I am passionate about and would very much like to support. I would like to be able to help Andrew, as well as many others with these difficulties, so that Down's Syndrome Scotland can continue to offer services, support and experiences, which I know are so valuable to these very special members of our community.

The funds that I raise are going to go towards establishing an ABC, Achieving Better Communication, group in Inverness. The groups aim to help children and young people with Down’s syndrome to develop their speech, language and communication skills.

As a team of four, we are expecting to take 40-45 days, which is over 6 weeks, on board a 7 metre by 1.8 metre ocean rowing boat, spending two hours on the oars, two hours off, 24/7 for the duration of the race to Hawaii. The shortest route between the start and finish is a little over 2,400 miles but winds, waves, current and less than perfect steering means that we will actually cover closer to 3,000 miles. The Great Pacific Race is seen to be the World’s ultimate endurance challenge.

A proportion of the money donated will go towards the many costs involved with the expedition. In its entirety, all remaining funds are going to be used by Down's Syndrome Scotland to help children and adults with Down's Syndrome to enjoy experiences and opportunities that they otherwise may not have.

I would be so grateful if you could help me in any way, to assist Down's Syndrome Scotland to help others realise their potential.

A few photos of 'Isabel', our rowing boat that will take the four of us 3000 miles.