A cheque totalling £31,038.79 has been presented by J.P. Morgan employees to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust at the J.P. Morgan Bournemouth campus.
The funds were raised during one of the world’s largest and most famous yacht races, the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, on behalf of the Official Race Charity.
As 1,584 boats and 16,000 sailors crossed the start line to compete in the 55 mile yacht race, 152 cyclists and 19 runners from J.P. Morgan’s UK offices started their challenge; navigating their own 62 mile course around the Isle of Wight.
The cyclists’ challenge was to beat the fastest boats, including their colleagues who were taking part in Britain’s favourite yacht race. This was the tenth year running that J.P. Morgan staff have completed the cycle challenge for the Trust, fundraising over £226,364.25 in the process.
Caroline Donnell, member of the Bournemouth Community Relations Committee summarised the event:
“There were so many people involved including cyclists, runners, and organisers – it was a lot of effort, but you feel inspired by the young people who will benefit – that’s what makes it all worthwhile”.
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust works with young people all over the UK, taking 8 to 24 year olds in recovery from cancer on sailing trips in Largs, Scotland and Cowes, Isle of Wight to help them rebuild their confidence.
Patron, Dame Ellen MacArthur explained:
“On behalf of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, I would like to say a huge thanks to all the staff from J.P. Morgan who took part in their very own Round the Island Race – on bikes and by foot, rather than boats! The funds raised will make an incredible difference to the Trust and enable us to take even more young people on inspiration sailing trips.
“The £226,364.25 raised so far by the J.P. Morgan employees team is nothing short of spectacular and has helped us take over 419 young people sailing. It’s difficult to put into words how important their annual fundraising has been, and we hope to continue the partnership for years to come”.
