A record-breaking yachtsman who has dedicated decades to providing access to the sea for disabled people is closing in on completing a major challenge to circumnavigate Britain.
Geoff Holt set off from London in a powerboat on May 13 and headed down the English Channel, then up the Irish Sea before passing around the north of Scotland and turning south again, calling in at Lowestoft.
As he approached the capital once more he admitted it was "time to hang up the lifejacket".
Mr Holt, from Hampshire, was the first quadriplegic sailor to cross the Atlantic.
But this week, after arriving in Lowestoft, the 58-year-old was just 170 miles away from completing his final, epic challenge.
Having spent 40 years in a wheelchair, paralysed from the chest down, Mr Holt said the sea has been his "salvation" as he closed in on completing his final disability adventure.
Hoping to raise £1.2m for his disability charity, Wetwheels Foundation, the quadriplegic adventurer and his team are just hours away from circumnavigating the UK coastline.
Mr Holt was paralysed in a swimming accident in 1984 and uses a wheelchair.
Admitting it was his "biggest challenge to date," Mr Holt said this year's 1,800 mile 'Finishing the Dream' challenge had involved "some really, really rough waters" - and after 17 stops, he is set to arrive back in London on Friday afternoon.
Funds raised from the challenge will allow for four new Wetwheels boats - which helps disabled people to get on to the water - to add to an existing fleet of eight and be based in Northern Ireland, Wales and East Anglia, as well as a roaming boat.
After arriving at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club in Lowestoft on Monday, he spent two days in town.
Mr Holt said: "We came down from Scarborough, and we will head onto Chatham, from here, before finishing in London at the Tower Bridge."
There he will be met once more by the lord mayor of London, Michael Mainelli, who set him off on the challenge three weeks ago.
Mr Holt said: "The primary reason for doing this 'Finishing the Dream' project is to raise awareness for Wetwheels and what we do.
"I want more disabled people to come out onto the water.
"We are doing really well with the fundraising, and we've got eight fantastic groups around the country running them - but we are looking for another four.
"The reception here in Lowestoft was really nice and friendly and the yacht club have been really lovely and helped us.
"It is the perfect location here and its lovely to be back in Lowestoft again - after I sailed around the UK 17 years ago in a catamaran, which took 110 days."
'Time to hang up the lifejacket'
Reflecting on his final challenge, Mr Holt said: "It is a long day on the boat - some days are seven hours sat here behind the wheel.
"It does take a big strain out of me.
"I broke my neck when I was 18 and have a spinal injury, as I am quadriplegic and only have limited movement in my hands.
"So to actually sit behind a wheel being thrashed and banged by the sea - we have got this suspended floor which helps - but it is still taking its toll on me and this has got to be the final one.
"I will still be running the charity and will be hands-on with the Portsmouth boat, but in terms of offshore challenges - no, I think now I have had enough.
"I have done some amazing things and am very lucky but it is time to hang up the lifejacket and just enjoy some down time."
You can donate to The WetWheels Foundation here.
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