Yachtswoman Hilary Lister, who is aiming to become the first female quadriplegic to sail solo around Britain ( read previous story here ), had to be rescued by the RNLI off the coast of Wales.

Concerns were raised for the safety of Hilary when her boat failed to arrive in Fishguard at the expected time of 22:00 on Friday night, and a lifeboat was subsequently launched to locate the 37-year-old.

She was located two miles north of Strumble Head battling against the tide, which had turned against her amid Force 5 winds. Shortly after 01:30 on Saturday morning, her yacht had to be towed to calmer waters before it was safe for her to be transferred to the lifeboat.

Hilary was taken to hospital for treatment, after becoming hypothermic. She was discharged after two hours. An update on her website read: “Hilary arrived in Fishguard at 01:30. An excellent sail was followed by a very difficult end. We may remain Fishguard for a week.”

For more information – and to make a donation – visit www.hilarylister.com .