In April last year, Jo and Louise Hammond launched www.seawives.com, a free online magazine and forum for the wives, partners and family members of those working at sea. It is not gender, rank or profession specific,but is open to all and completely free of charge

“Since launching, we have worked closely with several seafaring charities and have had amazing support from national and international shipping companies,” said Jo. “We work hard to promote the website through social media and obviously support other businesses that may be able to help or provide guidance to our readers and members.

“This year has been amazing for us. We were nominated for best new business in the Cardiff Regional business awards and have reached the finals. The awards ceremony is taking place in Cardiff on April 7 and we are overwhelmed that we are in a group of eight amazing finalists.”

The most exciting news for Seawives this year, however, has been the news that they have secured funding from the Sailor Society to develop a Seawives App. This will be compatible for both Android and IOS devices and will be launching in June alongside the Seafarers Awareness Week.

“The app will focus solely on the forum aspect of Seawives as we want to bring people together who share the same lifestyle and understand the highs and the lows of living with a seafarer as ‘we are all in the same boat’!” explained Jo.

Since launching Seawives, they have also supported many seafaring charities and Jo is running the London Marathon for Seafarers UK on April 24 this year. She is aiming to raise £1,500 and all donations are welcome via her Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/Joanne-Hammond8.

They are also holding a table top and car boot sale at New Hedges Village Hall on Sunday, April 3, from 9.30 am, and if anyone would like a table, please contact [email protected]. The cost is £10 per table or car boot, with all monies going to Seafarers UK. Refreshments, kindly donated by friends, family and local businesses, will also be served on the day.

Please support this event and Jo in fundraising for her marathon challenge.

“We would like to thank everybody who has been a part of Seawives to date, whether it be by joining us, writing for us or fundraising for our supported charities,” said Jo.

Meanwhile, the website continues to go from strength to strength and should you wish to be a part of it by writing for the magazine, please contact Jo or Louise at [email protected].