Chef Martin Wishart on his plans to sail the Atlantic to raise money for Parkinson's charity

Michelin-starred chef Martin Wishart is preparing to set forth on a journey, sailing across the Atlantic to raise funds for The Cure Parkinsons Trust.

Along with four crew members Lindsay Henderson, Rupert Jenkins, Kenneth Leask and Duncan Lonie, the chef will depart from Portugal on November 11th, following the West African coastline down to Gran Canaria before heading south west to St Lucia. 

By completing their journey, which will take four weeks, total 3,500 miles, and require sailing for 12 hours in daylight and 12 hours in the dark everyday, the team are hoping to raise £40,000 for the charity.

The cause is close to the chef's heart, as his mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a decade ago. The charity, rather than seeking symptomatic relief solutions, is committed to finding a cure, which is why the chef is supporting it.

"I have witnessed the pain, frustration and constant battle this debilitating disease brings to individuals, and those around them," the chef said on his fundraising page.

"So this year, to mark the 20th anniversary of my restaurant I would like to do my bit, by raising money for The Cure Parkinson's Trust by achieving a personal goal of mine: sailing across the Atlantic Ocean."

Fish is on the menu 

The chef told The Scotsman that he has been sailing for seven years now, and that his biggest concerns "will be the long distances and being away from land and making sure we have all the provisions; fuel, food, water and power, on top of the logistics."

He said: "The route I am taking is well established but does have its challenges too." 

Also celebrating the 20th anniversary of his eponymous and award-winning Edinburgh restaurant, the chef said he would be cooking fresh food every day - including an abundance of his most prized ingredients from the sea. 

Click here if you'd like to support Martin Wishart's cause