Jet skier attempting to circumnavigate whole of mainland UK coast arrives into Hartlepool
A jet skier attempting to ride around the coast of Britain arrived in Hartlepool on a wave of determination and cheers.
Lee Robinson, from London, is on a mission to circumnavigate mainland Britain solo by jet ski on his Channel to Coast Challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for two causes close to his heart.
The 58-year-old cleaning business boss is raising money for the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
After setting off from Tower Bridge in the capital, he arrived into Hartlepool Marina on the sixth day of the challenge where he was greeted by supporters.
Lee, 58, made Hartlepool a key stop as his wife Allison is from the town and her dad Jimmy Embleton, 80, who is living with Alzheimer’s, was Hartlepool yacht master for 60 years.
“It was very special coming here today,” said Lee. “We’ve spent many years coming up here but to jet ski it was a bit strange.”
Lee has wanted to jet ski around Britain since 1990 when he and lifelong friend John Duncan made history by completing the first return jet ski crossing of the English Channel for Cancer Research.
John, who was diagnosed with MS seven years ago, floated the idea again recently and offered to be part of Lee’s land support crew, but sadly had to pull out due to his condition.
But Allison and their son Myles, 24, stepped in. Together with a small support team, they are following Lee by land on his epic journey which is set to take four to six weeks.
Everyone involved has been affected by Alzheimer’s or MS in some way, and Lee said each mile travelled is a tribute to those who face daily challenges far greater than any ocean swell.
Allison said: “He’s doing amazing. He has been keeping really positive even in tough times, and there has been some.
“I’m very proud of him.”
Lee aims to travel around 60-70 miles a day, and he does it all standing up on the small Kawasaki machine.
He added: “I’m just approaching it day by day. A lot comes down to the weather.
“We had a lovely day on Saturday coming out of Tower Bridge. That was a bit special.”
People can follow Lee’s journey and donate online at channeltocoast.co.uk