Dr. Martin Lee, the consultant rheumatologist who is undertaking a 100-day solo kayak challenge around the coast of mainland Britain in order to raise money for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), has taken time from his demanding schedule to express his thanks for the outstanding hospitality which he received in Tenby after a life-threatening crossing from Lundy Island.

'Doc Martin' often sleeps on isolated beaches in a bivvy bag, regardless of weather conditions, so he was looking forward to a two-night break in Tenby on the weekend of April 28 and 29, where accommodation and support had been arranged for him. Unfortunately, he was forced to launch in darkness from Lundy at 3 am on Saturday, April 28, in an attempt to beat the foul weather conditions which were predicted for his crossing to Tenby.

During his increasingly dangerous passage, Martin's VHF radio stopped working not long after Milford Haven Coastguard had made contact asking if he needed assistance and he'd confirmed that he was OK. Fortunately, whilst Martin continued to battle against an increasingly heavy swell and gale force winds, the Coastguards were able to monitor his 'spot tracker' which provided a rough guide to his location.

As weather conditions worsened, it became clear that Martin could not get into Tenby harbour. He managed to send an iphone message to advise NRAS supporters that his best hope was to head for Freshwater East where he was eventually spotted as an intermittent dot on the horizon.

His progress into the bay was slow as he struggled against wind and currents. To the great relief of all, Martin managed to reach the shore, but he was exhausted. Once he had regained strength, his first concern was to contact Milford Haven Coastguards to inform them of his safe arrival. He thanked them for their efforts to monitor his progress and for their dedication to ensuring his safety

Although arrangements for Martin's 'formal' arrival in Tenby had to be cancelled, he has not forgotten to send thanks to Wiseman's Bridge Rowing Club who, had weather conditions been better, would have accompanied him into the harbour. He also sent warm congratulations to the team on their recent successful row from Ireland.

Martin also thanked Blake Shaw, honorary secretary of Tenby Sailing Club for his support and expressed special gratitude to the Fourcroft Hotel which provided a warm welcome and free accommodation for two stormy nights after his exhausting journey from Lundy to Pembrokeshire. He was particularly touched to be given a room with a superb view over the harbour - a perfect setting in which he was able to relax and recover.

Despite his tiredness, Martin joined a small group of local NRAS members and supporters for lunch on Sunday where he was truly a guest of honour! By attempting to complete 100 marathons in 100 days, Martin's mission is to raise awareness and understanding of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an inflammatory auto-immune disease which can strike at any age. RA can affect children and teenagers and it often attacks adults during their most successful working years.

The disease can cause weakness, fatigue and damage to soft tissue throughout the body, including the eyes, lungs and heart. Painful deformities occur when soft tissue in the joints is affected, but RA should not be confused with Osteo-Arthritis, a non auto-immune disease which results from 'wear and tear' on the joints and often affects older people.

If you would like to support 'Doc Martin's ongoing challenge to complete 100 marathons in 100 days by kayaking around the entire UK mainland coast, donations can be made via Virgin Giving on his website, http://www.martinkayaking.co.uk">www.martinkayaking.co.uk

For information or advice about rheumatoid arthritis, contact NRAS via freephone number 0800 298 7650 or http://www.nras.org.uk">www.nras.org.uk or email: [email protected]">[email protected] For local information, please contact Jean Bailey-Dering via 01834 811865.