Andrew Burke explaining how he will steer the yacht, Regent One, around the island.

A SAIL FROM THE HEART will take place on February 10 to raise funds for the Barbados Cancer Society.

Andrew Burke, who lost his left arm, collar and shoulder blade to brachial plexus cancer three years ago, has been sailing for over 30 years and has won several awards for it, some since his cancer.

He decided he wanted to help others in their cancer fight, and to do what he does best, sailing around the island.

Yesterday the Barbados Cancer Society held a media conference to disclose the details of the one-arm solo sail which begins at the Careenage at 6 a.m. and goes around the coast until it reaches the Inner Basin again.

Honorary secretary and trustee of the Cancer Society, Dorothy Cooke-Johnson, said the organisation was in need of a client services support employee, as the demand for such service was increasing and funds were needed to assist in this regard.

Burke said he was able to get the necessary treatment abroad through the help of family and friends but there were several others who could not and he especially had an urge to help children with cancer.

"When you are older you have the support of friends but small children like that don't have a lot of friends and family so I decided I would do something to help them and raise some money," he said.

The exercise will have support from the private sector and Coast Guard to ensure the sail is a safe one.

It ends with a celebration a 6 p.m. in Independence Square once the wind conditions are favourable. (WB)