Mary Falk: a role model for determination at the Round Britain and Ireland Race

Back on dry land I’m reflecting on the days spent at sea competing in the Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Race, my entry came quite late as I wasn’t sure we’d have the boat ready to sail in time, I had never taken part to this race, but my good friend Jerry Freeman insisted this was one I should not miss, and was absolutely right.

Jerry teamed up with Mary Falk on the legendary 35ft ocean racer QII which she famously raced in OSTAR 1996 to line honours in her class establishing a record that is still unbeaten today, 15 years hence. Jerry and Mary had each sailed the Round Britain and Ireland race an astonishing 5 times before and as a team just completed their 6th tour of the isles. They also sailed OSTAR 3 times each, they may have not had the flair of the latest Class 40s but when it comes to experience I shrink to a peanut.

This 6th Round Britain and Ireland Race was a special one, in 2005 Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery for the removal of the tumour and lymph nodes. This was followed by chemotherapy and by radiotherapy which lasted until the beginning of the following April.

Shortly after the operation she decided to raise money for The Institute of Cancer Research by taking part in QII, shortly after completion of her treatment, in a series of demanding singlehanded races organised by Petit Bateau.

As well as the fund raising Mary wanted to demonstrate that there can be life after breast cancer, and a very full life at that.
Take the time to visit her website, www.maryfalk.com, she’s an inspiration to all, and you can contribute to her QII Challenge to raise £100,000 for the Institute of Cancer Research, she’s nearly there at over £96k and I think  we all ought to help for the final push…