AS the sun rose across the calm Plymouth Sound on June 17, a crew of four keen sailors prepared the 37ft yacht Dream Chaser for their first offshore race. The crew, comprising four friends all fundraising for The Children's Society's Committee in Ledbury, were tackling the South West's largest charity sailing race to raise money for vulnerable children and highlight the charity's vital work.

The Children's Society works directly with thousands of vulnerable children and young people across a variety of projects, including youth-at-risk services, support for young refugees, and help for young people who run away from home. In the Midlands, the charity supported 1,296 young people through 15 services last year, and achieved 22 policy changes to improve the lives of children in the region.

Plymouth's unique nautical marathon known as the Eddystone Pursuit attracts hundreds of sailors every year, keen to raise hundreds of pounds for charities who 'benefit the human condition', and the crew of the Dream Chaser were determined to do just that.

The boat's skipper Keith Pringle, 58, from Ledbury, had hoped to complete their first marathon in under five hours, but unexpectedly calm conditions meant Dream Chaser finally finished after a gruelling seven hours 30 minutes.

Keith reflected on their achievement despite the distinct lack of wind, and said: "With an average of four to six knots of true wind, it was a very long, hot day! But we were pleased to finish and get ranked 32 out of 68 - not bad considering the very difficult sailing conditions! The most important part was winning £240 for The Children's Society, which tipped our fundraising total over £1,600.

"We had a great, memorable day, and are so grateful to everyone who supported our crew. As parents, all four of us want to support our kids, but we know the vital importance of helping those less fortunate than we are. The Children's Society does brilliant work, and every penny raised will help support children with really challenging lives. We will be back next year to raise even more money for the cause."

After the race, the crew enjoyed a well-earned rest in a harbour-side pub, and still wearing with pride their black Children's Society T shirts, were able to talk to other sailors and competitors about the race and charity's work.

Crew member Dr Martin Crook, 61, a local GP in Ledbury, was pleased to be a part of the event, and to spread the charity's message. Martin said: "It was a fantastic experience. We were a novice crew, sailing together for the first time, but we did very well considering the conditions. It was pretty warm in our black T shirts, but everybody we met was really pleased that we had taken part. When people noticed The Children's Society's name, lots of people said how great it was that we were sponsoring such a great cause."

Roseann Thompson, regional fundraising manager for The Children's Society in the Midlands is delighted to work alongside supporters like the Dream Chasers. She said: "The Dream Chaser crew, and everyone at the Ledbury Committee are an absolutely wonderful bunch, and their many years of faithful voluntary service, physical challenges and fundraising have made such a difference to children's lives.

"The crew of Dream Chaser should be really proud of themselves. This is just one example of how raising money for The Children's Society can also be great fun. It's wonderful that over 150 people across Herefordshire volunteer for our charity, and give up their time and energy to help some of our country's most vulnerable young people. From everyone at The Children's Society, we want to say a huge thank you for all you do."