Moloney raises funds for cancer

Charity appeal as Australian Vendee Globe competitor's father is diagnosed

As Australian sailor Nick Moloney crossed the start line for the 2004 Vendee Globe last weekend in his Open 60 Skandia, he also set off on a ‘virtual race’ to raise funds for Sail 4 Cancer, Kilometres sailed versus funds donated.

Nick is a Patron of the UK / Australian charity Sail 4 Cancer, a charity which exists to raise funds for cancer treatment through the organisation of sailing events.Sail 4 Cancer also provides lasting memories for families affected by cancer by taking them sailing.

Nick aims to raise £42,000/EUR60,000/AUD100,000. A British pound (or equivalent) for every kilometre sailed and the challenge will be met. Nick hopes that this 'Virtual Race' will capture the imagination of sailors around the world.

Commenting on the campaign Nick said: "I have been a Patron of Sail 4 Cancer for 18 months. My father, who is a Director of Sail 4 Cancer in Australia, has recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver, lymph nodes and lungs. On a recent trip back to Australia to be with my family, it occurred to me that I have the tools to give hope, to motivate the fight, to create belief. Through Sail 4 Cancer this adventure will be shared with thousands of people who need to believe that anything is possible. My Dad’s initial diagnosis was a term that could expire prior to the finish of my journey. I know that he will see me finish this, because he believes in the quest and the dream. This will keep him strong."

Graham Precey, Trustee of Sail 4 Cancer, said: "the virtual race element of our Vendee Globe Campaign is well under way. As Nick crossed the start line last Sunday we were 5,000kms ahead of him in the virtual race with £5,000 already pledged online. We may need to call Nick on the Sat phone to ask him to slow down if donations slow up during the 90-day journey! We are hoping that sailors around the world will join in and make a donation to stay ahead of Nick in the race’.

Supporters of the campaign can win a variety of prizes including a trip on Nick’s Open 60 Skandia, dinner with Nick when he returns from his Vendee campaign or copies of his book Chasing the Dawn.

Donations in Australian Dollars will be put to use in Australia by Sail 4 Cancer’s sister organisation down under, whereas pledges in £ Stirling and Euros will be forwarded to Sail 4 Cancer in the UK and Chacun Son Cap in France. As Sail 4 Cancer is run entirely on a voluntary basis, 100% of all donations from this campaign will be used to provide sailing holidays of a lifetime for children/families living with cancer.

Secure donations can be made online here