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After months of preparation, 37-year-old Hilary Lister became the first female quadriplegic to sail solo around Britain. Wheelchair-bound since the age of 15 due to a progressive neurological disorder, Hilary fell in love with sailing in 2003 when a friend took her out on a lake.
"Within seconds of being on the water, a light switched back on inside me," she reportedly told BBC News. "I knew that I had found what I was going to do with the rest of my life."
The Oxford grad uses a specially adapted vessel with a "sip-and-puff" system to control her boat with three straws. One straw controls the tiller, while another lets her select five different functions to help steer.
Hilary had already earned the title of the first quadriplegic sailor to sail solo across the English Channel when she decided to tackle her latest challenge. Her voyage of 40 day-long sails around Britain ended in Dover harbor, where onlookers applauded.
Hilary used the challenge to raise money for her charity, Hilary's Dream Trust, which helps disabled and disadvantaged adults who dream of sailing. You know, in case sailing around a whole country without the use of her arms and legs wasn't impressive enough. Click here to watch a video if Hilary in action.
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Wednesday 02 September
By Jennifer
This is amazing. This goes to show you that there is no limit to anything. Set you mind to it and you will do it...I am amazed at her strength and courage. She could really give alot of people prespective when they have something to complain about...Huh?!
Reply
Wednesday 02 September
By Dudley Haas (Wrinkle faced Betty's husband) Wacko, Taxes
What's the difference between a quadra plegic and a pair of palegics? Is one four and the other two? What if you just have one palagic? Then, you have uno plagic?
Wednesday 02 September
By daina
i have a cuzin who's a quad and i took care of him nearly a yr after his accident n this seems soo-far fetched it doesnt sound real. she sailed solo for 40 days without aid of any kind i dont believe that at all. theres weight shifts n personal issues like pressure sores that normal healthy ppl dont no about and then theres bowels n much more that leave 2 believe sum1's not being truthful here.
Reply
Wednesday 02 September
By Chris
40 day long sails. Not sailing for 40 days straight.
Wednesday 02 September
By Kenny
It said 40 day long trips. she stopped every night and started every morning. Sound so far feched now? Douche!
Wednesday 02 September
By Kristi Lindquist
How about being a little more postive. I'm sure she had some sort of help. But give the lady some credit, she has accomplished a goal that she set, Many people with here same disability may not have the strength or courage to set such goals. I have a niece that is 11 years old, she is also a quad, she gets quite drepressed, maybe this lady can inspire her.
Wednesday 02 September
By jeanjean
What they are not saying is there is money wealth and family here, no other way around it.
Help is HUGE and often subtle. Like you said basic living needs of food, water, etc.
Some one had to buy the Boat, some one had to design the controls and some one had to help her on and off.
Saying she did it alone is not fair to a lot of people who dont have similar support.
The statement here is not that she did it alone, it should be that disabled people can accomplish a LOT and are worth the extra time, money and effort.
Not just the friggin rich ones.
Have seen too many people like her fade because they dont have enough money or family or freinds for a life of independnce and full spirit.
No one earning 2k a month less 1500 for insurance and drugs is taking any kind of freekin boat ride.
Cudos to the rich.
Wednesday 02 September
By Vicki
Wednesday 02 September
By dainaLowest RankedReportPositiveNegative
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i have a cuzin who's a quad and i took care of him nearly a yr after his accident n this seems soo-far fetched it doesnt sound real. she sailed solo for 40 days without aid of any kind i dont believe that at all. theres weight shifts n personal issues like pressure sores that normal healthy ppl dont no about and then theres bowels n much more that leave 2 believe sum1's not being truthful here. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bah Humbug!
Wednesday 02 September
By Big Wheels
Hey Daina......its says she sailed the boat solo, that doesn't mean she didn't have help with her everyday personal challenges. The fact that she out there living a life ought to say something about her. There are people out there with four good limbs, and a good back, that sit on their a** and do nothing. Don't be so hateful.
Big Wheels
Wednesday 02 September
By Rip
You obviously didn't read the article closely enough. She did the trip in 40 days of one-day sails between ports. It is a triumph of the human spirit,not the hoax you mistake it for. By the way, "cuzin" is spelled "cousin" in the english language.
Sunday 06 September
By sis
my sister was wheelchair bound for years before her death due to MD. I know handicapped beings are limitless, if they have the will. I'm sorry your experience left you with disbelief. Very sad for you. My sister did everything they said she couldn't, just in a different way....I love you and miss you my sis
Wednesday 02 September
By David P Layton
I was a avid sailor prior to my two strokes. I still sail with one arm and limited mobility, but must have crew to assist with the sails. I admire her courage and determination to get on the water and identify with the thrill she receives from the accomplishment. She is an inspiration to us all and a fantastic example of how to enjoy life no matter what the challenge. Go Hilary!
Reply
Monday 07 September
By tom
hilary
iam a man o73 with a terminal illness a former marine
i thought i had guts but GOD BLESS YOU you are someone all should look up to
write back if you like
bless you
tommy
Wednesday 02 September
By JOHN
Amazing, and pretty too.
Reply
Wednesday 02 September
By Robyn
Hey John. You need to be educated. Quad is 4, Para is 2, uno is 1, and nada is you. Zero....
Wednesday 02 September
By Bonnie
Very inspiring individual....She'll give hope to paralyzed people everywhere
that some dreams can still be achieved!
Reply
Wednesday 02 September
By Koz
Great job, shows you what we are capable of when we put our minds to work.
Reply
Wednesday 02 September
By Ken
Good thing see lives in England under Obamas health reform see may be asked to end here life.
Reply
Wednesday 02 September
By Chris
How someone can turn this great story into an attack on Obama's determination to improve US health care is beyond me. You should be saying, this is a testament to the UK's health care system.
Wednesday 02 September
By Kenny
Hello Douche! You don't hear anything bad coming from the military personel or government agencys about their government controled health care, now do you. So don't run your mouth about stuff you don't know about!