The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust are this year celebrating an incredible 11 years of support from cross-Solent operator Red Funnel.
Red Funnel has supported local charity the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust since 2003, bringing young people in recovery from cancer to and from the Island for the Trust’s four day sailing trips throughout the summer. Providing a vital gateway to the Isle of Wight and Cowes, Red Funnel is the Trust’s longest corporate supporter committing £16,500 worth of travel to the Trust over the last three years.
To celebrate this outstanding 11-year relationship the young people of the Trust invited Red Funnels CEO Kevin George to join them onboard Scarlet Oyster for the J.P. Morgan Round the Island Race last month.
Setting sail from their base in East Cowes Marina at 06:00 the morning of Saturday 21st June, onboard 40ft Scarlet Oyster competing in the IRC1, class Kevin and the six young people joined a flotilla of five Trust yachts taking part in the iconic race alongside 1,584 other boats, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world.
Despite light winds of only three knots, Scarlet Oyster completed the race in 10hrs 56mins and came 44th in their class. Bright sunshine and drifting conditions ensured every crew member got involved as Kevin explained:
“Despite the lack of wind, resulting in a nearly 11 hour trip they all wanted us to win! As a cruising yachtsman it was also a great experience for me to sail with a truly professional racer. My key role was getting weight on the right side of the boat and then some of the heavier winching when the sea breeze eventually appeared and the younger guys were tiring a little.”
“It was an amazing day in many ways. To be in the company of the young people for the day was a humbling experience. What was incredible was how they had bonded together so quickly. Some were straight into helping sail the boat while others were initially reserved but by the end of the day were fully engaged.”
Launched in 2003 the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. In their 11th year, the Trust has grown beyond every expectation into a national charity. Working with every young person Principal Treatment Centre and a growing number of Designated Units in the UK. Taking young people aged between 8-24 who are recovering from cancer on four-day sailing trips.
The final word of the day from Kevin summerised just how important the work of the Trust and their supporters is…
“Brave and amazing are the words that come to mind having met everyone. It was fantastic to see how sailing provided them with a diversion and also a feeling of value in that they could and did play an active role in sailing the boat.”
There are many ways you can support The Trust with your time, money or services. To become a Friend of the Trust and help them to continue to provide support and encouragement to young people in recovery from cancer visit https://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org
