KAREN MELLING HAS SAILED THE ATLANTIC FOR THE QNI! 
After a long career devoted to community health care, most people would be forgiven for wanting to put their feet up. Not so for Karen Melling, a former district nurse and recently retired Senior Lecturer and Senior Tutor at Gloucestershire University.
To celebrate her retirement, Karen planned to fulfil a life-long ambition: on Saturday 24th October 2009, she set off to sail across the Atlantic on board Bold Explorer, a 45 foot steel yacht, with 3 other crew and a skipper. And with every sea mile she sailed, Karen raised money for the QNI.
Click here to read the press release of the launch.
Click here to read the press release of her return.
Please sponsor Karen
Karen raised money to support the QNI's educational work with community nurses across the country. It's not too late to sponsor Karen, visit her online donation page www.justgiving.com/karen-melling.
Read Karen's blog
Karen updated us throughout on her training and the journey itself. Follow the ups and downs of life on the Atlantic (from engine problems to whale watching) by reading her blog here:
Blog 19 - Final Blog
We made it! - 21 December
Blog 18
Nearly there - 20 December
Blog 17
We are not alone! - 18 - 19 December
Blog 16
In the Doldrums - 15 - 17 December
Blog 15
50 days in - 13 December
Blog 14
Swimming in the Atlantic - 11 - 12 December
Blog 13
Half-way across - 9 - 10 December
Blog 12
Whales ahoy! - 7 December
Blog 11
So long, Bob - 30 November - 1 December
Blog 10
Atlantic, here we come! - 26 November
Blog 9
Turtle watch - 24 November
Blog 8
Running out of time - 12-15 November
Blog 7:
Gale force winds - 5 November
Blog 6:
Bob will fix it! - 3-4 November
Blog 5:
Mechanical problems.. - 27-29 October
Blog 4:
First night at sea - 25th October
Blog 3:
Setting sail! - 24th October
Blog 2:
Last race - 11th September
Blog 1:
Sea survival course - 1st September
Pre Blog:
My sailing experience
Click here to see Karen's route map
Support Karen
2 months at sea is a long time! If you would like to congratulate Karen, please email the QNI and we'll pass it on to her. Please email joanna.sagnella@qni.org.uk.
Message of support so far:
* From the Ocean Angels - the first all-female crew to row across the Indian Ocean:
"We would like to send our very best wishes to Karen, and hope for fair winds and following seas as she sets off on this adventure of a lifetime. Having rowed across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans we are well aware of some of the conditions she will be facing and hope that the thought of how much she is raising for such a worthwhile cause will keep her going when times are tough. The highs and lows will be incredible and the memories will stay with you forever - so enjoy and most of all stay safe. Best of luck from the Ocean Angels."
Thank you Karen and CONGRATULATIONS!
