Blind sailor Alison Gunn successfully completed her solo voyage around the Isle of Wight (U.K.). Alison, 39, undertook her challenge on a 17 feet trimaran to raise money for Lymington Sailability, a U.K. based voluntary organisation that gives disabled people the chance to sail. Her husband Keith and friends were in a support boat to guide and encourage her.

"We went out in relatively calm weather, but it just got up. It was only the fact that we had got three-quarters of the way round that made us go on. It was cold, nasty and I had many mouthfuls of salt water. I think I'm totally mad," said Alison after tasting success at the sea.

Despite her ordeal, Alison said: "It was worth it. Hopefully I've raised lots of money for the club and there's a sense of personal achievement."

She learnt to sail after she lost her vision a few years back. She was introduced five years ago to Lymington Sailability. "It showed me that despite disabilities people were getting on with it and taught me to quit the self pity. If you want to do things you can do it," she said.