JUST seven months ago Hampshire yachtswoman Miranda Merron's life was turned upside down after suffering a potentially life-threatening brain haemorrhage.
But now the determined 38-year-old is about to embark on one of the oldest and toughest yacht races in the world - with the help of a whole community.
Friends, residents and businesses in Hamble are rallying round to support Miranda's campaign to compete in the Artemis Transatlantic race.
In return, instead of adorning her 40ft Class 40 yacht with the usual company branding, Miranda's boat will carry a logo reading "Hamble - Home of Yachting."
"When I had my brain haemorrhage I was extremely lucky to have a great team around me," said Miranda, of Hamble Lane, who has been sailing professionally for 11 years.
"Thankfully I was given the all clear last month, and I have decided to put it all behind me.
"I slowed down for a few months but now I'm back to top fitness and I'm ready to let my sailing do the talking. I am going to put everything I have got into this race and I'm very proud to be carrying the name of Hamble for it."
Miranda is now faced with the task of raising around £10,000 to cover the entry fee for the race, starting on May 11.
Inspired by the name of her yacht, 40 Degrees, supporters are being encouraged to sponsor one degree of longitude between the start line in Plymouth and the finish in Boston, USA. As Miranda crosses each degree, the company that sponsors it will receive a plug from her campaign team.
The campaign, dubbed We Support Miranda, was the brainchild of landlord Matt Boyle.
Matt, who owns The Bugle pub, said: "Miranda is a great sailor who has had a brilliant career but hasn't had the same exposure as Dee Caffari or Ellen MacArthur.
"Supporting her like this is a great way to get the community together to really help her out.
"It will be wonderful to see her carrying the name of Hamble across the Atlantic."
Supporters gathered at The Bugle on Friday to mark the start of the campaign, kicked off with a £500 cheque from Esso oil refinery.
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