Thank you for taking the time to visit our fundraising page on iDonate.ie. This year my dad and I are yet again taking part in the Spinal Injuries Ireland Tall Ships Adventure. Simply click the Donate button above to support us, all funds raised here will go directly to this great cause.

As a thank you, everyone who donates (regardless of the amount), will recieve a link to a video of my dad playing a "Spancil Hill/The One I Love" mash-up with his two nephews, Stephen and Raymond, and his bandmate Kevin. 

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TIM'S TALL SHIP CALL 2022

*(SII = Spinal Injuries Ireland)

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a Tall Ship and a star to steer her by.

I’m raising funds for SII. That time has come again,

To boost this awesome charity that eases spinal pain.

I must down to the seas again, for this call of the running tide,

Can help SII to continue its tasks, so needed countrywide.

Consider the many needing SII help, leaving hospital in a chair.

They happen to be the friendliest folk you'll possibly meet anywhere.

I must down to the seas again. Please help me. Please donate.

I’ll think of you all while wheelchair bound, ship-steering beside the mate.

And I'll wish you all a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And a quiet sleep, with a sweet dream, and a flourishing life, ....... moreover.

Tim Rice/Kevin Leach 2022

With apologies to John Masefield

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BACKSTORY 

I think most people on this page will already know my dad's story, but just incase here is a brief overview. In 2017, he had to have emergency spinal surgery after it was discovered his spinal cord was being damaged. They put 8 bolts in to stabilise his spine and he was diagnosed with prostate cancer (which had spread to his back). He spent 2 months in Vincents, followed by 4 months in the National Rehabilitation Hospital, and thanks to the amazing staff and my dad's incredible strenght and resilience, he came out good as new. Despite being discharged from the rehab hospital, they can't seem to get rid of him, as he is now chair of the patient's forum and a member of the choir. He has formed a band with a few other volunteers and facilitated a large donation which is funding a new music therapy program. 

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OUR LAST VOYAGE 

One of my dad's favourite hobbies has always been sailing. After his spinal injury, he thought that part of his life was over. He even tried to throw out his sailing gear, but my mum suggested his should keep them. So when Spinal Injuries Ireland offered him a spot on their tall ship challenge, he was over-joyed. There was just one problem: he needed a buddy to go with him. As someone who gets very sea sick and has spent their life avoiding boats like the plague (is it too soon to start using that expression again? *keeps facemask on*), I was not at the front of the queue to volunteer. However, I decided that I could withstand the torture for 5 days if it meant my dad could sail again. In a surprising turn of events, I loved it, and have since done 2 voyages and spent 3 months on the ship doing maintence during dry dock (see my experience here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4WRAw3Tp-E). My dad also had an incredible experience, enjoying every second of being back on the sea (watch the video from the trip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoys6xK35Ok). 

Since we didn't kill each other last time, we've decided to take on the adventure for a second time this year and set sail together again :) 

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Thank you so much for your support.