Part of the Etc.
Jess Fox was lacking confidence and direction when she signed up to a Prince’s Trust course at Stockton Riverside College.
Just six months later the future is looking bright for the 19-year-old from Thornaby who, with her sights set on a career in the Royal Navy, is currently testing out her sea legs as part of an epic sailing adventure.
One of 10 Prince’s Trust Young Ambassadors selected from across the UK to get on board the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge, Jess said: “I still can’t believe it; quite a lot has changed since January.”
Not least being the fact that she has developed the self-belief to join a small crew who, harnessing the power of the wind, are sailing a 92-foot tall ship 2000 miles around the British Isles.
The adventure, which has been organised by military sailing charity, Turn to Starboard, offers injured military personnel the chance to take on a personal challenge.
This year, to mark the Prince’s Trust 40th anniversary year the crew are being joined by Prince’s Trust youngsters for shorter sections of the route.
Currently on board the Spirit of Falmouth, former Sea Cadet Jess will spend 10 days with the crew as they sail from Oban in Scotland to Liverpool.
Speaking before setting sail she said: “I am nervous but looking forward to it. It will be a test as it’s going to be very hands on, getting the sails in and helping with the navigation and maintenance.”
Currently going through the Navy’s challenging application process; the journey will offer Jess valuable experience.
Nominated to take part in the Round Britain Challenge by staff from the Stockton Riverside College’s Prince’s Trust Stockton Team, Team leader Melisa Marsden said: “Jess just sprang to mind immediately, because of her hopes and aspirations but also because of her development during the programme.
“We saw her go from being shy and retiring to the determined and confident young lady she is today.”
Delighted to be among the final 10 selected to take part in the adventure Jess said: “Taking part in the Prince’s Trust course has changed me more in 12 weeks than in the last year. Before doing the course it felt like my life had stalled, but now I’ve applied for the Navy and I am doing this challenge, something I never dreamed was even an option.”
Just six months later the future is looking bright for the 19-year-old from Thornaby who, with her sights set on a career in the Royal Navy, is currently testing out her sea legs as part of an epic sailing adventure.One of 10 Prince’s Trust Young Ambassadors selected from across the UK to get on board the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge, Jess said: “I still can’t believe it; quite a lot has changed since January.”
Not least being the fact that she has developed the self-belief to join a small crew who, harnessing the power of the wind, are sailing a 92-foot tall ship 2000 miles around the British Isles.
The adventure, which has been organised by military sailing charity, Turn to Starboard, offers injured military personnel the chance to take on a personal challenge.This year, to mark the Prince’s Trust 40th anniversary year the crew are being joined by Prince’s Trust youngsters for shorter sections of the route.
Currently on board the Spirit of Falmouth, former Sea Cadet Jess will spend 10 days with the crew as they sail from Oban in Scotland to Liverpool.
Speaking before setting sail she said: “I am nervous but looking forward to it. It will be a test as it’s going to be very hands on, getting the sails in and helping with the navigation and maintenance.”
Currently going through the Navy’s challenging application process; the journey will offer Jess valuable experience.
Nominated to take part in the Round Britain Challenge by staff from the Stockton Riverside College’s Prince’s Trust Stockton Team, Team leader Melisa Marsden said: “Jess just sprang to mind immediately, because of her hopes and aspirations but also because of her development during the programme.
“We saw her go from being shy and retiring to the determined and confident young lady she is today.”
Delighted to be among the final 10 selected to take part in the adventure Jess said: “Taking part in the Prince’s Trust course has changed me more in 12 weeks than in the last year. Before doing the course it felt like my life had stalled, but now I’ve applied for the Navy and I am doing this challenge, something I never dreamed was even an option.”
