Terminally ill Seaford sailor plans round-the-world voyage

A terminally ill sailor who previously completed a solo voyage around the British Isles is planning her latest venture – a round-the-world sailing challenge.

Jazz Turner, an engineer from Seaford, East Sussex, lives with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a debilitating genetic condition that affects connective tissue.

The full-time wheelchair user said she wanted to become the first disabled female sailor to take part in the Royal Western Yacht Club of England’s WorldStar challenge.

The 27-year-old told BBC Radio Sussex that she had started planning the challenge three hours after completing the 2,070 mile (3,331km) trip around the British Isles.

Ms Turner said the challenge will require sourcing the right boat and sponsorship.

“I’ve always been drawn to challenges that push me to my edge. I face many a ‘no’ in my life, but I do my best to turn them into ‘yes’,” she said.

“The right partnership could turn this vision into reality.”

Ms Turner was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which causes fainting and seizures, when she was 18.

Due to complications, doctors told her that her condition is terminal.

“As my condition has progressed, the one thing I made sure of was that I never stopped sailing,” she said.

Her four-week voyage around the British Isles raised more than £52,000 for Sailability, which helps people with disabilities access sailing.

She said the trip was about showing that “anything is possible”.

Adrian Gray, commodore of the Royal Western Yacht Club, said: “Jazz is the epitome of why we created this Corinthian-style race.”

The challenge is due to take place in September next year.