Ellen MacArthur Trust

Ellen lends her muscle to helping severely ill children

At London Boat Show last night Ellen MacArthur, announced the launch of the Ellen MacArthur Trust. This has been set up to support, empower and enliven young people suffering from cancer or leukaemia by taking them on sailing trips.

“Meeting the challenge of sailing at sea, the children gain confidence and are reminded that there is life beyond their illness,” said MacArthur. “At the same time they meet friends suffering from the same disease, which reminds them they are not alone in their struggle.”

In the summer of 2000 some months before the start of the Vendée Globe, Ellen MacArthur went sailing in France with a group of children suffering from cancer and leukaemia. The trips were organised by the French Charity A Chacun son Cap (loosely translated as “Everyone has a Goal’).

In Ellen’s words it was one of the best day’s sailing she had ever had: “We laughed so much we had tears in our eyes and the kids were just incredible.” Having worked with A Chacun son Cap over the last couple of years, Ellen decided it was time to launch a similar project in the UK. The Ellen MacArthur Trust has been set up to provide similar facilities for children in the UK.

The aim of the Trust is simple – to improve the lives of children with cancer or leukaemia by introducing as many of them as possible to the joys of sailing on the sea, in a fun and uplifting environment, while maintaining high standards of safety.

It is intended that the first day trips will take place in summer 2003, all starting and finishing in Cowes, Isle of Wight, with the help and support of the UK Sailing Academy which has a close affiliation with Offshore Challenges and Ellen MacArthur who is Ambassador to the UKSA. In subsequent years, as the Trust gains experience and more supporters, trips along the south coast lasting several days, with overnight stops in different ports, will be organised. In the longer term the Trust will look to work with A Chacun son Cap arranging joint trips.

Each voyage will be lead by experienced, professional sailors assisted by adults who are trained in facilitating the children’s activities. For medical support, a doctor and nurse experienced in cancer care will travel with the children.

The boats will all comply with MCA safety regulations for commercial charter vessels that can accommodate between 10-15 passengers plus crew. The high speed racing yachts that Ellen normally races will not be used!

The Ellen MacArthur Trust will work with one or more children’s cancer charities in the UK to identify kids and young people to participate in the sailing trips.

The Trust has been set up as a company limited by guarantee. It has a board of directors (currently numbering five) who represent the broad range of skills and backgrounds needed to run a charitable trust.

It is hoped that funds will be raised from a variety of sources from sponsors and suppliers already associated with Ellen’s sailing campaigns and from cancer foundations and local cancer support groups. Contributions will also be sought from members of the public and, finally, in-kind from organisations connected to Ellen who can provide crucial support free of charge.

“I have seen first-hand the complete joy and inspiration that time out on the water can give kids suffering from cancer and leukaemia – just for the short time that they are at sea, they experience another life and it’s just a transformation for many of them," adds Ellen. "I have loved this work and hope that everyone who becomes involved in the Trust will benefit in the way I have. With the support of our friends and sponsors we know it will be a great success.”