Stuart Boreham


Stuart Boreham (GB)

	• Born in Stornoway, Outer Hebrides, 4 May 1966. • One older brother, Stephen. • School's: Up to age 12 educated around the world. Aged 12 -18 boarder at the King's School, Gloucester (father was serving in the Royal Air Force). • As a child, it was soon apparent that he had difficulties with his legs - cerebral palsy had left him spastic in his lower limbs. What he lacks in strength in his limbs he has made up for in strength of willpower to succeed. • Several major operations on his legs and feet improved his ability to walk. Stuart has always been keen to show that he is as able as others, but for him taking part in sports invariably meant supporting his friends from the sidelines, whilst they took part themselves. However, whilst at school, the opportunity to take part in dinghy sailing came along and the pleasure derived from this activity ignited a spark that would smoulder on until later events turned it into a flame.
• Despite his disability, after leaving school Stuart travelled alone around the world, visiting Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and North America before returning home. Although a great success for him, the strenuous nature of the trip took its toll and Stuart required major surgery at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford. Stuart then decided he wanted to do something to help them and having heard of an endurance record for karting, Stuart set out to break it whilst raising money in a major sponsored event. Unfortunately, just before the event, a racing accident in the kart provided a significant setback in his ambitions. The accident kept him in a wheelchair for many months and off work for nearly a year. • During this lengthy period of recuperation, Stuart had been following the progress of The British Steel Challenge through the pages of the National press. Stuart then decided that he wanted to see the yachts return home and so he headed for Southampton. Still wheel-chair bound, a chance encounter with Sir Chay Blyth - the race organiser - fired Stuart's imagination. The chance to go Ocean Racing spurred Stuart on and aided his recovery. A subsequent application and interview with Sir Chay Blyth saw Stuart accepted to take part in the BT Global Challenge 1996-97 round the world yacht race, sailing on board Time & Tide which was crewed entirely by people with a disability or who had overcome a life-threatening illness. • Initially trained by the acclaimed yachtsman Pete Goss, Stuart went on to amass over 20,000 miles ocean experience. Skills learnt included sail repair, radio use, navigation and general boat husbandry. Determination and tenacity saw Stuart through the race - traits that are ideally suited to his current project. • The successful completion of the race by the crew saw them rewarded with the runners-up prize in the coveted Yachtsman of the Year 1997 Awards. Subsequently, the crew was honoured with the Variety Club of Great Britain Special Team Award for the inspiration that they gave to disabled and disadvantaged youngsters throughout the race. At this time, Aylesbury Vale District Council inaugurated their annual "Sportsman of the Year Award". Stuart was the first recipient of this award, based on his sporting achievements clearly demonstrating that being physically disabled does not mean that one is without ability. • After completing the race, Stuart sailed as a member of the crew on the Safety Vessel which accompanied the 1997 Port St. Charles Atlantic Rowing Race from the Canaries to Barbados. During this activity, he was able to learn a great deal about the requirements of ocean rowing, including the preparation, equipment and safety standards required. • Determined to succeed at his rowing voyage - aiming to become the first physically disabled person to row an ocean - Stuart has not only focussed on having a solid team behind him and a good, well equipped boat, but has taken a unique approach to aid his fitness and mental preparation. He has taken up horse riding. To do so he has overcome his fears of being on the horse and controlling it, which helps to develop his positive mind and self confidence. Also, riding the horse is strengthening his back and other muscle groups whilst improving his balance and posture. • Interests include sailing, travelling, cooking, listening to music, motor sport and, of course, adventurous activities! • Through his voyage, Stuart aims to show that having a disability does not mean that one is without ability.