AN AMPUTEE who learned to sail a dinghy just last June, has set off on an amazing round-the-world yacht race.

John Spence from Fulwood, near Preston, was given just a week's notice to board the Time and Tide for the fifth phase of the BT Global Challenge.

And that started another race against time ... Royal Preston Hospital staff had just days to make a special limb to enable 45-year-old John to fulfil his lifetime's ambition.

John, who is head of procurement for British Aerospace in Warton, lost his right leg below the knee in a push-bike accident when he was a teenager.

Normally, artificial limbs are hollow and fill up with water, so he needed a special leg with buoyancy aids.

"The boat is manned by 14 disabled sailors including three others with artificial legs," explained John: "Each person has a vital role to play.

"I heard the yacht needed more crew members when it left Sydney so I applied. It was a long shot, but I understand the elements well.

"There'll be some heavy seas in the Atlantic and calmer waters near the equator which will be very hot. Ultimately it's unpredictable and there could be dangers, but that's the challenge. It's a once in a lifetime chance."

Time and Tide is currently 12th out of 14 in the race. The fifth phase takes the crew 7,000 miles from Cape Town to Boston on the six week trip.

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