Wick stop-off for sailor (82) ahead of epic voyage to Northwest Passage

An 82-year-old yachtsman has stopped off in Wick for medical treatment ahead of an epic Arctic voyage to raise funds for a cancer charity.

David Scott Cowper, who was the first man to sail solo round the world in both directions and is being treated for prostate cancer, will be taking on the treacherous Northwest Passage by sea.

He and crew member Susannah Broome (67) are braced for temperatures of minus 20C along with ice, snow and gales.

In the meantime, though, an old injury means David is having to receive antibiotics intravenously – so their boat, Polar Bound, is moored in Wick marina.

David and Susannah left Newcastle on July 8 on a 20,000-mile journey taking them to the sea lane between the Atlantic and Pacific through the Arctic Ocean.

They are raising funds for a Newcastle-based charity called Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, which provides free transportation to and from hospital for patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Charity chief Brian Burnie (80) is driving to Wick this Friday to support David and Susannah.

The sailing was to depart in July 2023, but David’s cancer diagnosis meant the adventure was put on hold. He has been undergoing radiotherapy and, although his treatment is not yet finished, he is pushing ahead on the Northwest Passage challenge along with Susannah.

It was during treatment at Newcastle Freeman Hospital that David became familiar with the service provided by Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care.

“Daft as a Brush offers a unique service in collecting, delivering patients to the Freeman Hospital, and then returning patients to their home after treatment,” he said.

“Patients with cancer can form friendships as they have a common denominator and, as the treatment has a set timetable, people meet at the same date and time.

“I am looking forward to this adventure with Polar Bound and helping to promote the great work of this charity that offers a lifeline to thousands of patients each year.

“I am lucky to live very close to the hospital, so I walked there each day. But there are hundreds of patients all over the region and beyond who do not live near a cancer centre.”

David is raising funds for new cancer patient ambulances as part of the charity’s goal to expand nationwide.

Brian said: “This is such a gruelling challenge for anyone, but at 82? David’s passion and commitment is hugely admirable, and to highlight the Daft as a Brush charity is very thoughtful.

“David has seen first-hand what the work of over 450 volunteers can make happen each day. We’re thrilled to be part of his journey and, with luck, wouldn’t it be fantastic if enough funds were raised to purchase new cancer patient ambulances in all four countries – England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales?

“It’s around 20,000 miles return to navigate the hazardous Northwest Passage. If everyone could donate a few pennies per mile, that would gift the charity the funds we need [£100,000].

“Daft as a Brush is trying to expand to help even more patients get to and from hospital, free of charge. It is my goal in life to bring free cancer patient transport all over Great Britain.”

As he prepared to drive up to Wick, Brian added: “I think it’s only right to support David and Susannah while they are still accessible. I’ve no doubt the journey will continue in a few days.

“I thought a brief visit from a friendly face might be helpful. I remember visiting Wick and John O’Groats on my 7000-mile walk around Great Britain and Ireland to promote free cancer patient transport in 2019. I am looking forward to returning.”

Live tracking of the Polar Bound is available on the Daft as a Brush website which can also accept donations.

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