Hello,
 
Michelle McCann here. During the summer I completed a 43000+ mile circumnavigation in the Clipper 2011-2012 round the world yacht race.The race took a year to complete and I had a fantastic trip with many highs and lows. Some of it was easy with beautiful weather and spectacular sights that I will never forget, but some of it was very difficult.
 
We had some horrific weather at times especially in the Southern ocean and again crossing the Pacific. Even during our final Atlantic crossing from Halifax to Derry we experienced some of the worst weather as we sailed our way through a hurricane. Our boat at 68ft was not small for a yacht but the oceans are very big and we usually found ourselves alone at sea with no other boats/ships/planes within sight. It was very hard work. Harder than anything I have ever done before in my life, lifting sails, grinding winches, emptying bilges, helming in storm force winds and constantly trimming the sails. I came off watch sometimes completely exhausted and slept soundly in a wet but cosy sleeping bag. What a difference to my usual safe, comfortable life. There were scary moments and one or two when I was truly frightened, but during the worst weather we had some of the best and most exciting sailing and I loved it!
 
Then we arrived in Lough Foyle and I experienced some of the happiest moments of my life. I was so glad to be home safe and sound. I had missed my family desperately and couldn't wait to see them again. We were given the most amazing welcome which surpassed anything we had received before and my heart swelled with pride at the reception we got from Shrove right up the river Foyle and under the bridge to Derry.
 
When I first told people of my decision to do the race many asked me if I was going to do any fundraising for a charity. It seemed too good an opportunity to let pass so I contacted the Foyle and Donegal hospices and arranged to try to raise money for them.
 
Now I just want to thank you sincerely for your support with my fundraising efforts and to let you know that money given to myself or any member of the family has been lodged with the Foyle Hospice. The total will be divided equally between the Foyle and Donegal hospices when the fundraising period is over.  
 
Fundraising through this page will be finishing up over the next week or two.

If you still wish to make a donation this can be done through the justgiving website at www.justgiving.com  When you go into the website, go to the  'Sponsor a friend'  section and enter my name michelle mccann. Just follow the directions to make a donation. Alternatively money can be sent directly to the Foyle Hospice, 61 Culmore Road, Derry, Northern Ireland. BT48 8JE. Please mention my name so that it is assigned to the correct account. Any contributions  given directly to myself, or Family will be lodged with the Foyle hospice straight away. 
 
Once again thank you for your support. As you may know, the hospices are doing invaluable work in their care of seriously ill patients. I and the rest of the family are indebted to them for the support offered by them to us during the course of Dan's battle with cancer. My trip has provided me with the opportunity to raise awareness of the good work they do and to help them by raising much needed funds.
 
Thank you,
 
Love from Michelle