A SOUTHAMPTON sailing charity which is fighting for its survival is one step closer to raising enough money to keep it afloat.

The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) has now raised more than £620,000 towards its overall target of £1m.

Money has been raised by 2,000 donors and is being used to address “serious financial challenges” and so it can continue operating.

As previously reported by the Echo, if unable to reach the £1m target by the end of the week it will “cease to exist immediately”, unless another solution is found.

The deadline for donations is set at 6pm this evening, however, overwhelmed with support its future is now looking more hopeful.

Amongst the encouragement it has received has been from broadcaster and historian Peter Snow CBE who has praised the charity’s work in the past.

CEO, Duncan Souster said: “We have all been heartened by the messages of support from people across the world, along with the generous donations everyone has made.

“It is wonderful to see the number of lives we have positively impacted during our four decades on the water. Thank you so much. Over the past few days, we have heard your passion for our cause. We have also listened to concerns, quite understandably, about the sustainability of our business model and questions about whether this fundraising effort can provide greater long-term security for JST

Based in Woolston, the JST has been struggling financially for the past year following a number of mechanical problems on both of its ships.

It owns the Lord Nelson and Tenacious which are two specially adapted traditionally-rigged sailing ships. They are the only ships in the world designed to be sailed by a crew with a variety of physical impairments and health conditions.

Duncan added: “Time is now of the essence and your support has never been more important. Thank you all for your commitment to our cause and for your fantastic generosity of spirit. It is great to see the fundraising momentum continue and, together, I am confident we can still meet our £1m target.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/emergencyappeal