Karen Melling, pictured, a former district nurse and recently retired senior lecturer at Gloucestershire University, set off on her journey in October 2009 from Dartmouth, Devon.

Karen spent 44 days at sea with three other crew members and a skipper aboard the Bold Explorer, a 45-foot steel yacht.

She said: ‘It was awe-inspiring. I enjoyed every minute of it: seeing the sea in all its states, the glorious sunsets, even the long watches.'

The journey wasn't without its challenges: plagued by engine trouble for most of the first leg of the journey, Karen also suffered a fall while on board and was heavily concussed.

QNI director Rosemary Cook said: ‘We are delighted that Karen is safely home after what sounds like an amazing adventure. We are also very grateful to Karen for raising the sponsorship, the funds will go towards the QNI's educational work with community nurses around the country.'

Karen's blog are available to read on the QNI website.