After Ben Dale-Jones' son Mack spent 10 days in the Evelina being successfully treated for a life threatening illness, he and a team of friends decided to take on one of the world's largest yacht races in thanks for the support they received.

Each year 16,000 sailors from the UK, USA, Europe and beyond go 'Round the Island' off the coast of the Isle of Wight, the 2,000 boats competing for first place in the 50 mile course.

Ben and 11 friends took on the challenge in a 60 foot clipper. With little space to move on board, the team fought to keep the wind and avoid other boats, executing turns at speed for 8 hours on a deck often listing at 45°. Both a feat of group co-ordination and a tactical challenge, the race involved periods of extreme physical exertion and concentration

After several emergency 'anti-collision moves' at the start the team pulled together as they rounded the island's Needles, found some good water and made up for lost time by steaming back toward the front runners with an 'In it to win it' mantra. After 8.5 hours they crossed the finish line in the top 25% of racers, beating racing driver Lewis Hamilton, and raising a fantastic £3,700 for the Evelina Appeal.

Ben explained why he took on the challenge: "We were impressed and reassured in a very difficult time by the quality of care and equipment at the Evelina, and the upbeat atmosphere of the hospital helped keep our spirits high. We wanted to contribute to help other children in need of the Evelina services and in turn help Evelina retain the many reasons for its successes."

Ben would like to thank his team for their stirling efforts:

Over the Easter weekend, six kayakers braved the winter-like conditions by taking part in the 60th annual Devizes Westminster International Canoe Marathon. The event is the UK’s toughest, open to all endurance event.

The finish line is Westminster Bridge in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament where the small double kayaks battle the washes of larger boats to complete their winding journey along the historic Thames.

Thanks to Michael Purchas, Graham Forrester, Myles Weatherley, Mark Stevens, Rob Stainsby and Peter Hutchison for braving the adverse weather conditions in the name of charity! In total a brilliant £2,835 has been raised.