Volunteer Spotlight
Diane Myles is an extraordinary Oceans of Hope sailor, supporter and now fundraiser. Hailing from Scotland but now living in Surrey with her family, Diane was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in 2007. Here she shares her experiences of sailing with us and the importance of giving back, to help ‘share the cake’ with others.
“I first came across Oceans of Hope in 2017 by happy accident. I went to a Tysabri infusion at Charing Cross Hospital although this time it was with a different group of people than I was used to. Nicola was there and was telling everyone about Oceans of Hope and the circumnavigation that she had done. It was inspiring and I had never tried sailing before, so I researched the organisation and successfully applied to take part in the Oceans of Hope challenge in Croatia, 2018.
This first challenge in Croatia was fantastic. I was on a boat with all girls and Anna our Skipper. One highpoint was the people I met and all the fun. I remember that on the first night I was laughing so much that I was actually crying! I enjoyed doing things that were completely new to me such as learning sailing skills, swimming off the boat, having fantastic meals on shore altogether, as well as pulling together to make meals on the boat. The trip was empowering and gave me confidence. I reconnected with the strong and healthy part of myself. In fact, back at home I found myself wearing my Oceans of Hope t-shirt if I was ever in a situation where I needed confidence!
I also went to Croatia in 2019 for another week long challenge, I went on the ‘Mothership’ for a day sail under the Forth Rail Bridge in Edinburgh and we saw a dolphin on another day sail in the Solent on the Spirit of Scott Bader accessible catamaran. Through the charity I also recently had the opportunity to go on the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s fully accessible Tall Ship ‘Tenacious’ for a week long voyage. It was hard work being part of the crew but a great experience too.
Knowing how much I have gained from taking part in these experiences, when the opportunity came up to volunteer and do some fundraising, I didn’t really hesitate. Fundraising has been a bit of learning curve – learning which funders to approach and filling in grant application forms – but at the same time it is easy because I believe so strongly in the benefits that sailing can bring to a person with MS.
As I have dipped my toe into the world of fundraising, I have worked closely with the Oceans of Hope team. We have had success with funding given by the Royal Yachting Association and Sport England, enabling 70 people to sail free of charge this Autumn. I find it rewarding to see others benefitting from the work Oceans of Hope does the same way I have. As CEO of Oceans of Hope, Robert Munns says: Make the cake for others and share the cake!”
Knowing how much I have gained from taking part in these experiences, when the opportunity came up to volunteer and do some fundraising, I didn’t really hesitate…I believe so strongly in the benefits that sailing can bring to a person with MS.
Diane Myles, Oceans of Hope Supporter
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