CELTIC supporter, Lee Callaghan has taken on the challenge of a lifetime, as he set sail for South America on Sunday, participating in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Consisting of 11 competing teams, the Clipper Race is the world’s biggest round-the-world ocean race, and is regarded as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet.

A total of 40 per cent of the crew are non-professional, novice sailors and it is the only event of its kind for amateur participants. Prior to undertaking their comprehensive training programme, completed over the past few months, Lee and the majority of the crew had never even met.

The overall route is split into a series of 13 races over eight legs, with points awarded for each race. Lee’s leg of the race saw him set off from St Katherine’s Dock, London, bound for Punta del Este in Uruguay.

As his yacht travelled up the Thames on Sunday afternoon, Lee received the perfect send-off from his nephew, who passed on the news of Celtic’s 2-0 derby victory.

Speaking ahead of his departure, Lee said: “I’m extremely excited that the time has finally come to set sail.

“The experience so far has been fantastic. I’ve met some amazing crew mates, from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds, and it’ll be great to get to know them even better during the race.

“We will be living in a very small space and there will be a lot of movement on the boat, which will make most tasks very difficult. There will be some huge challenges of course but the training has prepared me well for what is ahead.”

Through his efforts, Lee will be looking to support four charities which are close to his heart and will honour to some of Lee’s lost loved ones, who have each inspired him to take on this incredible challenge.

The funds raised will be donated to Celtic FC Foundation, as well as the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Barra Island Lifeboat.

Lee added: “I hope to raise as much as I possibly can for some great charities. Each of the charities that I am supporting represent someone I have sadly lost in my life. Those people have been the real inspiration behind this and by raising funds through my efforts, I hope to pay tribute to each of them.”

You can support Lee’s tremendous efforts by making a donation HERE.

Celtic supporter sets sail for round the world yacht race