In 2005 Olly Rofix was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia so rare that it did not even have a name.

‘I was only the third person in the world to have had this form of leukaemia,’ said Olly. ‘Which I thought was pretty cool until I found out the other two were dead.’

Now Olly, 25, has decided to sail around the UK next year to raise money for Anthony Nolan and inspire other cancer sufferers.

Olly, from Woodbridge, Suffolk, said: ‘Raising awareness and getting more people onto the (stem cell donors) register is crucial, but I also want to inspire other people who are ill or who have been ill.

‘I want to show them that they might be ill now, but they can go on to do great things.’

Olly will be exhibiting his Valiant 18, the Jolly Olly, at the London Boat Show in January and plans to begin his trip from Ipswich on May 2.

To learn more about his voyage visit www.olivers-travels.co.uk.

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