Sponsor the Walk
“Our participants become better able to counter the isolation and social anxiety that typically holds back recovery into service or further affects individuals when they’ve been medically discharged.”— Colonel (Ret’d) John Thornton, Chairman of Trustees, The Gwennili Trust
The Gwennili Trust
Gwennili Sailing Trust
Since 1995, the Gwennili Trust has provided offshore sailing opportunities for people with disabilities — in particular wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans. Operating from the South Coast with a team of unpaid volunteers, the Trust charters MCA coded yachts to deliver sailing experiences that change lives.
The primary beneficiaries are Personnel on Recovery Duty and military veterans associated with Service charities. The Trust works closely with Personnel Recovery Centres at Tidworth and Catterick, the Personnel Recovery Unit in HMS Drake, and a wide network of military rehabilitation organisations.
What Your Donation Funds
Solent Cruises
Day sails and multi-day cruises for recovering military personnel, building confidence and teamwork through offshore sailing.
Competitive Racing
Round the Island Race, Taittinger Regatta, and Blind Sailing Week — giving veterans purpose, achievement and pride.
RYA Training
Practical sailing courses that lead to recognised qualifications, building skills and career pathways beyond military service.
Community & Recovery
Countering the isolation and social anxiety that holds back recovery — through shared experience on the water.
Why Sponsor This Walk
A Small Charity Where Every Pound Counts
The Gwennili Trust is entirely volunteer-run. There are no salaried staff, no expensive offices, no marketing departments. Every pound donated goes directly toward putting veterans on the water. A £10,000 grant from the Army Benevolent Fund funded an entire summer programme of sailing for 100 beneficiaries in 2024.
Your sponsorship of this walk — however large or small — makes a direct, measurable difference to people who have given extraordinary service to this country and are rebuilding their lives after injury, illness or trauma.
Toby’s Personal Connection
As a volunteer with the Gwennili Trust, this isn’t an arm’s-length fundraising exercise. Toby has sailed with the Trust’s beneficiaries, witnessed first-hand the transformative effect of offshore sailing on veterans recovering from physical and mental injury, and is committed to growing the Trust’s impact. Walking 174 miles across England in winter conditions is a small challenge compared to what the Trust’s beneficiaries have overcome.
Every Mile Matters
174 miles. 23,000 feet of ascent. Four wild camps in winter conditions. All to raise money for wounded veterans.