Keen sailor, Nick Ward, has cheated death more than once. Indeed, some may recognise his name as the author of 'Left for Dead', the story of his miraculous survival from the ill-fated Fasnet Race of 1979. But had it not been for the Wessex Neurological Centre he quite possibly would not even have been alive to make that voyage, nor the many he has undertaken since. Nick takes up the story, and explains why he'll be circumnavigating the Isle of Wight in August, on two wheels rather than under sail.

"My involvement with The Wessex Neurological Unit dates back four decades. Surgeons saved me from death after a brain haemorrhage struck me down in my teens. And though left with epilepsy and a left sided weakness, this Unit enabled me to get on with a relatively normal life. I changed medications regularly and it was on a return visit that I met my wife Chris, then a staff nurse on the Ward. We are blessed with two grown children, Sam & Elizabeth, both of whom lead active and happy lives.

My passion, family apart, is sailing. Over the years I have completed 17 ‘Round the Island’ races, held each June every year, and in all classes of yacht, circumnavigating the Isle of Wight’s 55-mile course.

So why do I want to cycle the island’s coast? A longer route.

Because I can, thanks to the Wessex Neurological Unit, and its dedicated staff.

There’s no better cause than Smile4Wessex, so please, sponsor me If you wish.

Thank You.

Nick Ward."

If you'd like to read more about Nick's Island Challenge, or indeed to sponsor him, please click HERE