Local man saved from river

I witnessed a dramatic rescue tonight on the Foyle. A man had jumped in and, out of nowhere, another guy, who happened to have a lifejacket in his bag, made a fast sprint to his rescue.

Sailing to Tory

Scenery at its best. The LSYC annual  race to Tory Island in "Viking Lord" had a fab sail .Skipper Paul McSorley and his culinary skills were put to the test dishing up a meal fit for a king
It was certainly the highlight of my year,had a drink with Patsy Dan the King of Tory, this is a must for all sailors a great wee harbour , a great retreat for Derry wans over the years a special bond with the Creggan. I would recommend this trip you'll never see scenery quite like it nor meet a more welcoming bunch of people they have held on to their native language and customs and are to be admired for their sheer determination.To me this is the jewel in the crown when visiting Donegal, see for yourself take a ferry from Magheraorty pier,just outside Falcarragh.

Tobin getting the VIP treatment

Tobin sussing out the local talent as we make our weekly visit to Jollyes petstore, Buncrana rd, Derry. The Staff here are all dog lovers and Tobin gets the V.I.P. treatment every time.

Fantasie 19 sailboat for sale

Sara and Tobin waiting for cast off to begin another adventure around the north coast on "Buitisi" (wellie boot)

This wee cruising yacht sleeps two adults and two children. A fantastic starter bilge keeler boat, and of course there's room for a wee dog. She's for sale if anyone's interested the boat not Sara, £2000 with trailer and 4hp long shaft 4-stroke Mariner outboard. The proceeds of this sale will go towards MacMillan cancer support, go on make an offer.

Check it out on the web, click in fantasie 19 sailboat.

Tobin hoping for some donation from statues

Tobin fundraising for Macmillan, there's no escape even if you are pretending to be a statue ,these bronze statues represent both sides of the community, note the hands are not touching just reaching out ,sadly there are still some people devoted to sectarianism there is always hope that in the next few generations it will no longer exist, I have met them from both sides and if frightens me,in some ways its like a cancer virus but there is a cure JUST OPEN YOUR HEART.

Darren sailing the "Gold Coast" clipper yacht

Me in better days. My normal low profile before this Macmillan sail promotion started I'm the big head second from left. What a fantastic experience on the winning boat "Gold Coast". Ollie Osbourne the skipper was as patient as they come and gained the respect he deserved from all the crew members, its a big task changing the foresail on these masters of the sea.

B&Q staff and customer fundraising event

My local B&Q store on the Buncrana Road, Derry have been wonderful support allowing a fundraising event to take place in aid of MacMillan cancer support. The staff having really made an effort and the customers kind generosity shone through as they contributed throughout the day.

The Cookstown sizzle

Another warm welcome in Cookstown last night there were plenty sizzlers, the people are so friendly with hearts of Gold the night life was buzzing, best nights craic.

Big thanks to our friend Christine Wade who sacrificed her Saturday night.Tir Eoghain ABU
Thanks Sgnt Foster.                                £562 raised

More fundraising at First Source

Sarah McFadden organised a "Dress Down Day" at Derry's "First Source" call centre and a very welcome £365 was raised. Thankyou so much to all who took part.

There's no place like home

One man and his dog, inseparable

I've been discharged from Hospital, thank God. Plenty of rest now until the medical team put a plan of action in place to remove a tumour just at the top of my kidney under the tip of my right hand side ribcage.

Operation a success

Well that's that operation over with, you loose track of time once the anesthetic puts you to sleep this one took five hours before I came too, compared to ten hours in 2011 there was no trauma this time round thankfully, I'm just glad to be awake, I would

The grapes of Wrath

Joe McGaragle, James McElhome and myself,
all in great spirits passing through
Ward 8, Cancer Ward, Altnagelvin Hospital

It's all so day ja voo at the moment reality is setting in I'm in the same ward, with the same staff nurses as last time in 2011 just a bit greyer, and less green behind the ears. I had my biopsy today for the tumour on my kidney. What I had previously thought, in the months preceding, was a kidney infection, is a 63mm diameter tumour.

Health Update

Darren has been called in earlier today, Sunday 11th May, to Altnagelvin Hospital, Ward 31. He has a tumour on the "good" side of his neck and a previously unknown lump on one of his kidneys. Surgery will be sooner than expected. Please pray for a successful outcome. This has certainly come as a shock to Darren and Sarah and they would value your support at this time.

Saturday Outing to Belfast

Darren and Sarah on their way to Belfast

On Saturday evening 10th May, Darren and Sarah, travelled to Belfast for a Macmillan fundraising event things finally got underway at 9 pm the manager in Europa gave us a huge reception we met some wonderful people and shared our experiences with Macmillan on our recovery journey.

Boat Maintenance and Preparations

We have some exciting news for all those who want to follow Darren and Tobin as they sail around Ireland. Everyone will be able to see the progress of Stoney B in real-time using the Yellowbrick Viewer website. A link and page will be posted before the start of the sail.

A set back

5 weeks ago, on a Sunday morning, I found a lump on the good side of my neck. After 2 biopsies, ultrasound, a CAT scan and a PET scan at the Royal Infirmary in Belfast, the consultant today confirmed that it was a malignant tumour. God willing, on Tuesday coming, I will be going for an operation to "whip it right out" as the consultant said. After my neck heals, I will be undertaking another series of radiation treatments.

Interview on BBC Radio

I would like to thank Mark Patterson and his team from BBC Radio Foyle for the interview yesterday. It really helped both me in my endeavours to sail around Ireland and