A WOMAN who used her life savings to buy a boat to be used by young people in Bristol has made another appeal for volunteers to help crew it.
Selfless Karen Passmore spent about £30,000 of her own savings doing up the 40ft yacht, which she hoped would be used to help disadvantaged and disabled youngsters.
She was one of last year's Evening Post/First Gold Star winners after conceiving the idea after being inspired on a sailing trip.
The 61-year-old, of Southmead, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, has spent hundreds of hours working on the boat and teamed up with the Job Centre to give teenagers the opportunity to gain new skills in sanding, painting and wiring.
Her dream is to work with charity Break Free Foundation, which provides young disabled people with new experiences.
But Ms Passmore has struggled to find more funding for the project and is desperate to find volunteers to give the boat its sea legs.
"It would be great if we could get some new volunteers to come aboard," said Ms Passmore.
"They could come sailing for a day to learn the ropes and then be future volunteer crew afterwards.
"Anyone who could help with fundraising would also be very useful, as we desperately need to find the money to finish the project.
"Once we actually get sailing we will hopefully attract a corporate sponsor to come to our rescue with the £15,000 still needed.
"Our mooring, near Cafe Gusto on the Harbourside, would be a great place for a Bristol company to advertise – it's a prime spot."
The boat is ready to sail, as it is seaworthy and has all the necessary equipment to be used as a leisure craft.
Ms Passmore managed to secure a free mooring from Bristol City Council but still needs sponsorship and funding so that her dream can be realised.
The boat, named Lief, is not ready to take the young trainees Ms Passmore desperately wants to help, as she cannot afford the cost of various health and safety equipment she would need.
She told the Post: "I've spent every last penny I have on the boat, which has really improved my health and kept me motivated.
"But I'm now at the stage where I really need help with donations – it would take around £15,000 to complete the boat.
"Sailing offers such a great opportunity for young people. I've had a lot of help from Bristol and this is my way of giving something back to the city.
"The Break Free Foundation provides young people who are disabled, are disengaged or deprived of the opportunity to have experiences they might otherwise not have."
If you can help, contact Karen Passmore on 07712 110934 or email karen passmore@breakfreefoundation.org.
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