Lee Robinson arrived in town as part of his journey around the coastline to raise awareness and vital funds for two causes close to his heart – Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
Among those greeting him at the marina was his father-in-law, 80 year old Jimmy Embleton, who is living with Alzheimer’s. Jimmy is well known for being Hartlepool yacht master for 60 years.
Lee said: “It is really special coming into Hartlepool and being greeted by Jimmy, who has such a strong connection to the seafaring community here. The journey is taking its time but every mile travelled is a tribute to those, like Jimmy, who face daily challenges much bigger than big waves.”
He added: “We’ve spent many years coming to Hartlepool but to do it on a jet ski was a novel experience – and it is great to see everyone here.”
Jimmy, who was delighted to welcome him, was amazed at Lee’s challenge to become the first person to circumnavigate mainland Britain solo by jet ski.
He said: “I think what Lee is doing is just fantastic! He took me out once on a jet ski but, after all my years’ yachting, it just wasn’t for me. But when I took him out on a yacht he said the same thing! Going around the coastline is an amazing nautical feat – and raising funds for charity is amazing too.”
Lee, 58, was also welcomed by his wife Allison and their son Myles, 24, who are part of a small support team that are following by land on a journey which is set to take four to six weeks.
Allison said: “It’s been great for Lee to be welcomed by dad and the rest of the family. Lee is taking on the challenge amazingly well – there have been a few tough spots so far and we are all very proud of him.”
Lee is raising funds for the Multiple Sclerosis charity in honour of his lifelong friend John Duncan, who was diagnosed with MS seven years ago. The pair made history in 1990 by completing the first return jet ski crossing of the English Channel for Cancer Research.
Readers can follow Lee’s journey and donate online at channeltocoast.co.uk
Author: Ian Monaghan
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