AS she knows only too well, members of her profession often come into contact with people who are terminally ill.

But nothing could have prepared Dr Josie Phillips, 27, for the devastating news that she, too, might have only a short time to live.

Dr Phillips was a 21-year-old medical student when she was first diagnosed with a brain tumour after five years of unexplained symptoms.

By 2008 it was found to be malignant and her life expectancy was just 12-15 months.

But Dr Phillips and her husband Roger, a former Southampton University student, were determined to make the most of whatever time she had left.

They are currently nearing the end of a 2,000-mile round-Britain sailing trip that aims to raise £25,000 for charities including Brain Tumour Research.

Yesterday the couple dropped anchor in Lymington and met up with Jeremy Rogers, whose company built their Contessa 32 yacht Nordlys in 1980.

Mr Rogers’s wife Fiona said: “When we heard what they were doing we were really struck by Josie’s bravery. We loaned them a dinghy and outboard motor and also helped out by doing a lot of work on the boat.”

Dr Phillips said she and her husband, whose sister lives near Beaulieu, had completed more than 1,800 miles.

She added: “We’ve had plenty of highs and lows, including some horrendous weather, but generally we’ve had a brilliant time. Everyone’s been incredibly supportive.”

The couple, who set out from Ipswich in May, have already raised about £13,700.

Dr Phillips is planning to return to her job at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after the four-month voyage ends next week.

She said: “Living with an incurable disease is extremely difficult – I’m just trying to carry on as normally as possible. I was a patient before I was a doctor, which helps me empathise with the people I treat.”

A Brain Tumour Research spokesman added: “Josie has already outlived her prognosis and is living on borrowed time.”

Anyone wishing to support her fundraising campaign should visit her website, contessa32.co.uk.