Chris Cantell Discusses - Sailing Live: Sailing is for everyone by Barbora Misakova

From time to time I have such moments, when I am thinking how would my life look like if I couldn't for example walk, or couldn't see. I know it is a bit weird, but honestly, who never did so? This is just a way how I help myself to realize how precious it is – to have my own legs, which work and which will take me wherever I want to go. Just imagine it: you don't have to ask anyone to take you to the park or school, you don't have to ask anyone to take you somewhere for the holidays. You can just pack your things into your bag and go where your heart leads you. I know I put it all into a bit romantic frame, but anyway, you know what I want to say. It must be really hard cannot make a move, just a single move. But there are still people who don't want to give it up. One bright example is 36 years old Hilary Lister from Canterbury. This woman suffers from reflex sympathetic dystrophy which lead to final phase in which this woman is not able to move below the neck. While she was sitting at home her activities were limited by her disorder, until she find out there is also another possibility. Her boat Artemis 20 is with the use of high-tech adaptations prepared for use by Hilary. “How?” are you asking. The boat is adapted in special way which enables Hilary to control the boat by using a “sip-and-puff” system of straws. The whole system is based on Hilary's breath, when the pressure of her breath is converted into electronic signals and they control the tiller, sails and GPS navigation system. This way of operating with boat makes from Hilary independent person who can sail by herself wherever she wants. Instead of sailing with no aim Hilary will be next 3 months sailing around the British Isles with hope she will raise enough money for her charity Hilary's Dream Trust which helps people with the same disorder. Hilary, I keep my fingers crossed for you.

related story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2138555/Quadriplegic-woman-to-sail-around-Britain-using-only-her-breath.html

by Barbora Misakova for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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edited by Katarina Gaskova