Hilary Lister, who is hoping to become the first quadreplegic woman to sail solo around Britain, arrived at Harwich this week.
Stour Valley Pipe Band and Harwich, Clacton, and Braintree Lions, which are helping her in the attempt, welcomed her.
Hilary, who is 37, didn’t know about the crowds waiting to welcome her. She said: “It was just amazing. I love Harwich and the people are great. I have met so many from all over the district.
“We have been down on the pier today and some of my team have been collecting money. Everyone is so generous.”
Evelynne Page, secretary of Harwich Lions, said: “We were all just so humbled to meet her. She’s an amazing woman.”
Hilary, who lives near Canterbury, began her attempt in May setting sail from Dover.
She steers the boat by a “sip and puff” system which allows her to blow through a number of pipes to control it.
To sponsor Hilary, visit http://www.hilarylister.com
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