AFTER battling a serious illness, a vet from Taunton will be helping to raise money for St Margaret’s Hospice by taking on a voyage across the Atlantic.

Dan Holden is hoping to raise £4,000 as he sets sail on two legs of the Challenge of a Lifetime Atlantic Circuit, which will pass through The Canary Islands and areas of the Caribbean.

Mr Holden said: “I am one of the lucky ones, someone who has had a brush with a potentially life-limiting illness and emerged relatively unscathed.

“Not everyone is as fortunate as me, which is why the incredible work done at St Margaret’s hospice is so important, not just for patients but also their families.”

“This is why I’m fearlessly donning my waterproofs and lifejacket to brave the stormy seas and raise much-needed funds for St Margaret’s.”

He will set sail on the first leg of the challenge from Portsmouth, passing through Northern France before reaching the last destination on the first trip, at Falmouth.

On the second he will pick up the eighth leg of the challenge at Cork as it makes the final journey to its home port back in Portsmouth.

To find out more about the trip, or to sponsor Dan Holden, go to virginmoneygiving.com/|iamsailing