A WOMAN on the waiting list for a kidney transplant took to the seas to help raise awareness of live organ donation.

Jacquie Dowding set herself a personal challenge of sailing almost 1,000 nautical miles from Brighton Marina to southern Brittany and back again.

The 58-year-old, who lives on her boat at the marina, only has 11 per cent kidney function but has chosen not to have dialysis while waiting for a donor.

She had a kidney transplant 29 years ago but it started failing about five years ago.

Ms Dowding’s blood and tissue type is rare and so finding the right match for her has been difficult.

Four people have already come forward to offer one of their kidneys but there have been complications with each one which meant surgery was not able to go head.

Ms Dowding, who acts as a boat safety advisor for the RNLI and is a patron of the charity Give a Kidney, said: “I’ve been on the waiting list for two years but I don’t want to live just waiting.

“As I’m a sailor and a professional skipper, I decided to take my own boat on a voyage to get the message across about live organ donation.

“It took six months to prepare for the trip and I was supported by sponsors in the marine industry. Without their help I couldn’t have left the harbour.”

Ms Dowding was also backed by staff at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust and Guys Hospital.

She set off at the beginning May and got back to Brighton last weekend. (june 3/4)

Ms Dowding said: “It was a very tough and difficult trip, especially as I had to change crews en route..

“My kidney problems mean I’m constantly fatigued and can suffer muscle cramps and spasms but this was a personal challenge and I was determined to complete it.

“Sailing is demanding but rewarding.and without my kidney I couldn't even contend the idea.

“Only my determination to spread the word kept me going.

“I will always be grateful to my donor and have hopefully made the most of the last 29years sailing over 20,000 sea miles in different parts of the world.”

Locations have included the Caribbean, Pacific and Sweden and she has also previously sailed around Britain to raise awareness of organ donation and the RNLI.

She said: “I have been told a live organ donation is the best option for me.

“What many people do not realise that the charity Give a Kidney has a pool where people can offer to donate and if it does not work for a particular person, they can be tested to see if they can help someone else.

To support Ms Dowding, visit Gofundme.com/sailing-to-the-azores-for-life.

To find out more about live organ donation, visit giveakidney.org.