Charity announces Gosport sailor Alex Thomson as first patron

Oarsome Chance welcomed record-breaking solo sailor Alex Thomson to its new site in Gosport and named him their first patron.

Alex, who lives in Gosport,, officially opened the new base at St Vincent College on Saturday during an event attended by dignitaries and representatives from schools and youth organisations in the area.

He said: ‘It’s fantastic to be involved in a project that is having such a big impact on children’s lives by teaching valuable skills and encouraging local children to get out on the water. The work the Oarsome Chance team are doing is really inspiring. They are giving local children an opportunity to learn in a different environment.’

As well as engaging with the youngsters, Alex’s team have also been supporting the charity with the loan of their RIBs and other equipment.

As previously reported in The News, Oarsome Chance helps children and teenagers who are disengaged with mainstream education.

John Gillard, principal, said: ‘We are thrilled to have Alex as an official patron of our charity. He is a huge inspiration to our students, and really connects and engages with them and teaches them that anything is possible.’

Around 100 guests attended the Oarsome Chance open day to find out about the work the charity is doing in Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth.