James Chapman has a good excuse to miss the next East Cheshire Hospice tree collection – he will be sailing around the world!
His voyage will have reached Australia when Christmas trees are collected over the weekend of January 10 and 11.
James has been a regular on the vans over the years but must support from afar this time when fellow volunteers are out and about back home.
James sporting a Hospice Christmas tree collection hat during his voyage.
James is employed as onboard reporter for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race which started in Portsmouth in late August.
His journey took him to Spain and Uruguay before sailing to Cape Town.
Mum and dad Pete and Heather are hoping to meet up with James during a race break in the Whitsunday Islands off Australia.
Pete said: “We’re following James’ progress closely. He’s a keen photographer and is swapping from boat to boat taking all kinds of crazy pictures.
“He’s also sending back stories about crew members to race HQ. It’s exciting stuff and we’re quite envious.
“James is even climbing masts to take pictures, including a selfie. He’s not sure yet whether he’ll stay on board for the entire journey.”
A daring selfie … James Chapman photographs himself at the top of a mast.
Life on the ocean wave suits the outdoor adventurer who is also a paddle board instructor.
Meanwhile, Pete is preparing for the next tree collection which his family started in 1999. Close friend Richard Raymond co-founded the initiative.
Pete said: “We’re well into the planning stage and are hoping to further grow the scheme in 2026.”