A PARTY has raised more than £20,000 to help support an Island paraplegic sailor to cross the Atlantic later this year.

The annual Towers Party, hosted by John Caulcutt in Yarmouth, was attended by around 1,500 people and the money raised will help Miss Isle, Natasha Lambert from Cowes, achieve her dream.

Singing sensation Jessica Richardson, a Voice Kids finalist, performed at the event which included a spectacular fireworks display.

The event was supported by the Yarmouth One Design class at the Royal Solent Yacht Club.

John said: "It was a fantastic night and Natasha is an amazing lady who we are thrilled to support.

"She steers her boat by sucking and blowing on a straw and will be attempting to cross the Atlantic in November which is one of the gutsiest things I have ever known.

"With someone of her disabilities, it is an incredibly courageous thing to attempt. It's an unbelievable challenge to even contemplate."

Other entertainment included the Wight Hot Pipes, fresh from a successful Glastonbury performance, John Summerton and The Beagles, Velocity, and John's own band, Step on the Gas, who have performed together for more than 50 years.

Catering, and all proceeds from it, was donated free by Abdul Karan of Saffron, Cowes.

There will also be a donation to UKSA.