A RETIRED estate agent will swap the quiet life for high seas adventure in a gruelling round-the-world yacht race.

Ian Brogden, from Beech Grove, Leigh, will embark on a marathon 5,400 mile journey from Hong Kong to Mauritius in April, as a crew member on Liverpool Clipper.

The 59-year-old hopes to raise thousands of pounds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice -- and wants Journal readers to help out and sponsor him.

Ian, who has never stepped on board a yacht before, said: "I have been behind a desk all my working life, and it just seemed such an exciting opportunity to pass up. I've not had any sailing experience before until I started a three week training programme, so it's been a steep learning curve.

"We'll have to do everything on the boat, apart from navigate. It seemed like such a great opportunity to raise money for the Hospice, so I'm hoping Leigh people will rally round and sponsor me."

Ian is taking part in the fourth leg of the round-the-world yacht race -- the halfway point in one of the world's toughest sailing races. And during his five week voyage, he will sail to such far-flung places as the Phillipines and Singapore.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Ian should telephone 01942 673734. You can follow Ian's race progress on websites www.clipper-ventures.com or www.liverpoolclipper.com