He is on a mission to sail into every port in the UK and Ireland - but his visit to north Norfolk has held a special significance.

Mark Ashley-Miller has used his time in Wells-next-the-Sea to give back to a charity that looked after his sister.

The skipper, who is currently halfway through his mission to meet Britain's 300 harbourmasters, is enjoying a summer holiday in Norfolk.

In Wells, he hosted lunch for Leanne Whitbread, who cared for his sister Catherine - known as Cathy - who had Down's syndrome and died in October 2020 aged 61.

Eastern Daily Press: Mark's sister Catherine, or Cathy as she was known to her friends.Mark's sister Catherine, or Cathy as she was known to her friends. (Image: Mark Ashley Miller)

Mr Ashley-Miller, 58, also hosted Bertie, Hannah and Lindsay, who Mrs Whitbread also cares for in her role as a support worker for learning disability charity Mencap.

He said of the care Mencap gave his sister: “It was a huge improvement in her life because she had a more normal life.

“They were able to go shopping, look after themselves do many more trips, just have a less institutional life and a much more normal life that you and I have. Norwich Mencap is an amazing organisation.”

Eastern Daily Press: Mark Ashley-Miller hosted Lunch on his boat for Lindsay, (left) Hannah, (centre) Bertie, (right).Mark Ashley-Miller hosted Lunch on his boat for Lindsay, (left) Hannah, (centre) Bertie, (right). (Image: Archant)

Mr Ashley-Miller, who grew up in Reedham Ferry on the Norfolk Broads, held the lunch on his boat, the Good Dog, while docked at Wells.

Eastern Daily Press: The Good Dog at the port of Wells.The Good Dog at the port of Wells. (Image: Archant)

He said: “It keeps the connection of my sister going, seeing these people being looked after the same way, and enjoying life in exactly the same way, and having such a good quality of life."

Eastern Daily Press: Mark Ashley-Miller and Leanne Whitbread with Lindsay, (left) Hannah, (centre) Bertie, (right).Mark Ashley-Miller and Leanne Whitbread with Lindsay, (left) Hannah, (centre) Bertie, (right). (Image: Archant)

When she was born in 1959, Cathy had a life expectancy of 15 years.

Mrs Whitbread looked after her for 12 years in a bungalow where she lived with others, including Bertie, who joined them on the boat.

She said Cathy would have loved to have been there today.

Eastern Daily Press: Leanne Whitbread, a support worker for Mencap.Leanne Whitbread, a support worker for Mencap. (Image: Archant)

“Cathy would have absolutely loved it,” she said.

"When she passed away we were all absolutely heartbroken.

"She was such a sweet little lady and she just had so much character. She was just so funny. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. I have 12 years of amazing memories of her.

"She loved seeing everyone happy and being together. Cathy would love to think we were here.”