Cancer patient, 82, sets sail on 20,000-mile voyage

David Cowper and Susannah Broome aboard Polar Bound

Almost 45 years ago, Newcastle yachtsman David Cowper was the first man to sail solo round the world in both directions.

Now 82, Mr Cowper is taking on the 20,000-mile return voyage through the Northwest Passage - the sea lane between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic Ocean.

The expedition is unforgiving with temperatures down to -20C, ice, snow, bitter gales and weeks of isolation.

He was due to depart in July 2023, but his adventure was put on hold when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Mr Cowper will be accompanied by one crew member, 66-year-old Susannah Broome, from Jesmond.

The journey, which will take them north through the Pentland Firth, before crossing the Atlantic below Iceland and Greenland and eventually lead the pair across the Arctic circle, will take about six months to complete.

• BBC Sounds: 82-year-old sailor embarks on new voyage

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Mr Cowper said: "The thing is to not become complacent. We have to take precautions and be sensible because the sea will always win."

During the summer months, the pair will experience 24 hours of daylight along their journey.

David Cowper and Susannah Broome will be at sea for six months

While undergoing radiotherapy at Newcastle Freeman Hospital, Mr Cowper became familiar with the charity Daft as a Brush, which takes patients to and from their hospital appointments.

He hopes his challenge will raise funds to purchase new cancer patient ambulances for the charity.

"I am lucky to live very close to the hospital, so I walked there each day," Mr Cowper said.

"But there are hundreds of patients all over the region and beyond who do not live near a cancer centre, the Daft as a Brush free service is essential in our region and beyond."

Speaking about Mr Cowper's challenge to help the charity, Daft as a Brush boss Brian Burnie said: "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."

He added the charity was "thrilled" to be part of Mr Cowper's journey and hoped to raise enough funds to buy new cancer patient ambulances for each nation in the UK.