Martin Wishart to sail the Atlantic to raise money for Parkinson's charity

Wishart, an experienced sailor who has navigated the east coast of Scotland and taken further trips to Shetland, Denmark and Spain, will be joined by four crew members in his attempt.

The chef will set sail from Portugal on the 11 ​November for the four-week excursion. He will first head south, following the coast of West Africa, to reach Gran Canaria in mid November, and will then plot a south westerly course to pick up the trade winds, before heading west towards St Lucia.

He will travel approximately 3,500 miles in just under four weeks.

“The route I am taking is well established but does have its challenges too,” says Wishart.

Wishart aims to raise £40,000 from the trip to donate to the CPT, which needs donations to help fund and support its research into finding a cure for Parkinson’s, a disease which the chef has experience of.

“Ten years ago, my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and I have witnessed the pain, the frustration, and the constant battle this debilitating disease brings to individuals, and those around them,” he says. 

“Parkinson’s is widely believed to be incurable, but scientists at The Cure Parkinson’s Trust (CPT) are still pushing boundaries; their pioneering spirit is focused on finding a cure, not just providing symptomatic relief.”

Wishart’s company MW limited will fully sponsor all the costs involved to prepare and run the boat, including safety equipment, food supplies, and all the general running costs. 100% of the money raised will be donated to the CPT, he says.

For more information and to make a donation visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/martinwishart​