Chaplain to sail solo around the UK to raise funds for charity

The Reverend Chris Baker, a chaplain from the University of Greenwich, is sailing solo around the UK to raise funds for the university’s charity which helps students in need.

Chris will embark on his first solo voyage on Monday, July 5 at 9am from the River Thames in Greenwich, next to the university's campus.

The trip ties in with Universities Week (June 14-20), which is designed to let the public know about higher education's often unsung and unheard success stories.

Chris will sail anti-clockwise and his route will include the ports along the East Coast of England; Norfolk, North to Whitby, Holy Island, across the Firth and North to Inverness to join the Caledonian Canal for 60 miles to Fort William.

On the West Coast of Scotland he will sail south past the Mull of Kintyre and on to the Isle of Man. Continuing to South Wales and across the Severn Estuary, he will stop at Lundy before sailing on to Devon and Cornwall. 

The final leg of the trip takes Chris to Lands End, along the South Coast on the south side of the Isle of Wight, up the coast to Dover where he will enter the Thames Estuary.

Chris will finish his journey in Medway, where the University of Greenwich also has a campus.

He will sail in an Achilles 24 Meltemi boat for the 1,500 mile trip. The boat will rely entirely on wind and sea energy to power the onboard systems.

The voyage is expected to take 42 days to complete, depending on the weather.

Chris Baker says: "I wanted to raise money for this cause as just a little assistance can help students stay on their chosen course, and a small emergency donation can change the direction of their life. I meet students training to be nurses, teachers, scientists and engineers, with many family commitments, striving to contribute to society and all they want is to succeed". Chris hopes to raise funds to help the people he meets every day in his role of university chaplain. To sponsor him visit: www.justgiving.com/around-the-coast2010

The trip is being funded entirely from Chris' own pocket, so all sponsorship money received will go direct to the charity.

The university's Alumni Development Fund charity helps students in serious financial hardship, pays for books and resources in the library; and provides specialist equipment and support for those with a disability and dyslexia.

Mark Hainy, Head of Alumni and Development at the University of Greenwich, says: "Chris joins a growing number of university staff and students who are raising money for the Alumni Development Fund. Some are running, some are cycling and Chris has chosen to sail - all in aid of the students. On behalf of everyone we are extremely grateful to Chris for his dedication, bravery and commitment as he undertakes his challenge to help make a difference at the University of Greenwich".

To follow Chris' progress visit: www.twitter.com/greenwichalumni or visit: www.gre.ac.uk/alumni

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Lee Armitt
Press Officer
University of Greenwich

020 8331 9420
l.armitt@greenwich.ac.uk

Notes to editors

Picture: Chris Baker. Please credit photographer Carmen Valino: www.carmenvalino.com

Reporters and photographers are welcome to see Chris off on his voyage on Monday, July 5 at 9am from the River Thames in Greenwich, next to the university's campus.

The University of Greenwich's Alumni & Development Office is the main point of contact between former students and the university.

For further information on Universities Week 2010 visit: www.universitiesweek.org.uk