New ambassador

Katie Miller takes an official role for the Ellen MacArthur Trust

Former Raymarine Yachting Journalist Association Young Sailor of the year Katie Miller is to become an Ellen MacArthur Trust ambassador. The Trust takes young people in recovery from cancer and leukaemia sailing for four days, the trips are designed to provide a unique experience for the young people. Each child is encouraged to work as part of a team and become involved on every level of the trip, the voyages are lead by experienced, professional sailors who are used to working with children

Katie, from Shenstone in Staffordshire, started her journey with the Trust started in 2004 when she gained her Day Skipper qualification aged 16 years old. Her first sail as a volunteer had a big impact and 12 months later she returned to help run the trip logistics. After five weeks of shopping for hungry kids, sorting out sleeping bags, oil skins and entertainment, Katie was inspired to sail round the UK to raise money for the Trust, a route previously completed by The Ellen MacArthur Trust patron Dame Ellen MacArthur herself when she was eighteen.

"It is fantastic news that Katie has become an ambassador for the trust, she has put so much hard work into raising money and the young children on the trips really look up to her. Katie is a sailing star in the making and I wish her every success and look forward to seeing her on the Trust trips in the future," commented Dame Ellen MacArthur, Patron The Ellen MacArthur Trust

Katie’s three month adventure ended on the 19th July 2006, having raising £10,000. As a result of this adventure Katie was nominated for the Raymarine YJA Young Sailor of the Year Award 2006. Much to her surprise she beat off stiff competition from a large field of talented young sailors and was awarded the prestigious prize at the London Boat show in January 2007.

“I am really proud to become an ambassador for the Trust its something really close to my heart, sailing with the kids can’t help but inspire and helps drive my sailing ambitions. I am looking forward to representing the trust all over the world raising even more money and spreading the word of the fantastic work they do,” said Miller.

Katie is now studying yacht production and surveying at Southampton Solent University. She is a member of Lee-on-the-Solent sailing club and is continuing her sailing ambitions while at university, including winning the bluQube 1000 Solo race in her first major single-handed race. Her new two year plan reaches its climax in 2009, with the OSTAR single-handed trans-Atlantic race.