| UK. Solo Round Scotland: Alan Rankin ready to set sail |
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| Wednesday, 12 April 2006 | |
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Sue McKichan: After closely monitoring the weather patterns for several days, Alan Rankin has been given the green light to commence his ‘Solo Round Scotland’ challenge. Alan’s ambitious undertaking will raise funds for Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS) and the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Alan will cast off from the marina in Kirkcudbright between 10 and 11am tomorrow morning (Thursday 13th April) and at 1pm will start his quest to become the first person to single-handedly sail and cycle around Scotland. Alan hopes to return back to Kirkcudbright in 10 days’ time. A Ministry of Defence Range Boat will be on hand at Kirkcudbright marina to take journalists out to Alan’s boat, Pegasus, on the Solway Firth, to interview him or to take footage before the start. Alan said: “Sailing has been such an important part of my life and I hope that through this charity challenge I can give something back to two causes that mean so much to me. My father had Parkinson’s and, so I know first hand the impact that this condition can have on a family. I am also a big admirer of the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and the life changing opportunities they offer to a number of young people.” People interested in the challenge or in making a donation should visit: www.soloroundscotland.com. The website will be updated regularly with Alan’s progress. About the charities Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS) OYTS works with a wide range of young people and groups from less advantaged communities and youngsters with special needs to offer life-changing experiences aboard two sailing yachts. In 2005 OYTS took over 700 young people to sea and are regular participants in the Tall Ships Race. For more information on the work of OYTS contact Nick Flemming on 0141 221 1200 or visit the website: www.oytscotland.org Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS) There are 120,000 people in the UK diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The Parkinson’s Disease Society is the UK’s leading authority on all aspects of the condition. The charity campaigns for a better quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. For more information on the work of the PDS, Tel: 020 7931 8080 or visit the website: www.parkinsons.org.uk Parkinsons Awareness Week runs from 24-30 April 2006 About Alan Rankin Alan is chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Forum, the independent trade body that represents Scottish tourism businesses. www.stforum.co.uk Previously he was chief executive at Dundee Heritage Trust the home of the Royal Research Ship Discovery. In 2001 he was instrumental in attracting a fleet of tall ships to Dundee to celebrate the centenary of the launch of RRS Discovery. Alan Rankin (48) lives in Blairgowrie, is a keen sportsman and is a regular competitor in the sailing and hill running adventure race, the Scottish Island Three Peaks Race. He is a qualified Yachtmaster and cruises extensively on the west coast of Scotland. The Solo Round Scotland Charity Challenge is Alan’s first major sailing challenge. Although taught to sail at an early age, Alan only returned to sailing after a successful time spent competing in athletics. Alan was Scottish Decathlon champion on seven occasions, a feat that has never been equalled. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 April 2006 ) |
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