PHYLLIS Tuckwell supporter Paul Stevens is raising money for the hospice by taking on one of the biggest challenges imaginable – the Clipper Round the World Race.

This 40,000 nautical mile race was launched 20 years ago and since then has taken place every two years, and is now on its 11th race. The fleet is made up of 12 identical 70-feet ocean-racing yachts, which average a speed of 7.1 knots.

Instead of being manned by seasoned professionals, the race invites novices to take part, offering them the experience of a lifetime.

It is divided into eight legs, and participants can choose whether to complete the whole challenge or select individual legs.

The six legs of the race see participants cross the Atlantic from Liverpool to South America and then on to Africa, Australia, China and America before finishing with a warm welcome in Derry.

Paul will be leaving this month to join Team Greenings and take on Leg Three, which will take them 4,750 miles from Cape Town to Freemantle, and Leg Four, which covers the 4,328 miles from Freemantle to Sydney, Sydney to Hobart then Hobart to the Whitsunday Islands.

“I’m most looking forward to the big waves, the big seas, the adrenaline bit of the Southern Ocean,” said Paul.

“This year is the 40th anniversary of my mum dying of leukaemia, and I wanted to raise money for a local charity which supports and cares for people who are living with a terminal illness, and their families. Phyllis Tuckwell does such an amazing job, it’s a privilege to support them.”

Phyllis Tuckwell’s community fundraising manager Ashleigh Tennent said: “We would like to thank Paul for choosing to support Phyllis Tuckwell through this incredible challenge, and we wish him the very best of luck.

“It is only with the help of fundraisers like him that we are able to provide the level of care which we give to local people who are living with a terminal illness.”

To sponsor Paul go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Paul-Stevens.