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"When he returned from the trip he had changed for the better, he was less tense, brighter, less moody, pleased and happier." - Henry's (aged 16) Mum
Read more testimonials...
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Young People from Wales, Northern Ireland and Birmingham join the second trip
The Ellen MacArthur Trust embarked on their biggest sailing trip to date this week, as they took seventeen children out sailing from their operational base at UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy) in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Four boats Scarlet Oyster (kindly donated for use by her owner), Inspiration, Freedom and Spirit were all chartered to accommodate children from all over the UK who joined The Trust for the four-day sailing trip. The children who join the charity are still suffering from or in recovery from Cancer and Leukaemia, most have never sailed before in their life and in many cases have not been away form home since starting their treatment. The Trust works with hospitals and cancer charities throughout the UK in order to organise the sailing trips that run throughout July, as well as a residential dinghy course in August. Thanks to the amazing fundraising throughout 2006, the charity has been able to double the number of children that sail with them this year and work with four new hospitals.
The trips are designed to provide a unique experience for the children that join them. Each child is encouraged to work as part of a team and become involved on every level of the trip, from helping to sail the yachts, through to the cooking and cleaning for their fellow crew on board. Each voyage is lead by experienced, professional sailors who are used to working with children.
Inspiration youngsters; Jamila 11, Rob 15, Bethan 14, Nathan 13, Rhianna 14, from Birmingham took charge of their own 42-foot monohull “Inspiration” for the four day trip. The children have all received treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital; This is the first year that children from this hospital have joined the trips, part of The Trust’s ongoing commitment to working with many new regions throughout the UK each year.
The other two boats Scarlet Oyster and Freedom were joined by the Northern Ireland youngsters; PJ 18, Patrick 18, Nathan 16, Oran 16, Laura 16, Aimee 12, Zoe 14, Chris 14 and Aidan 14 from NICFC Hospital…our largest group of youngsters to date.
Lastly, was SPIRIT crewed by the Cardiff youngsters; Joshua 12, George 14, Brandon 12, Matthew 15 and Hayden 13, again this is another new Hospital joining the Trust this year.
The first day and evening is spent at The United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, which is The Trust's operational base throughout July. The children are introduced to their new home for the next few days and take part in some teambuilding exercises to get to know each other and prepare for the trip ahead.
“It has been really good, I didn’t know what to expect especially as nobody had sailed before. But the staff were fantastic, really patient and made everyone feel at ease, I would definitely bring the children back, it has been a amazing experience for all of them”. Alisha Newman CLIC Sargent
Day two and The Trust boats set off from UKSA, heading out into the Solent for a days sailing, eventually mooring up in Yarmouth Harbour on the Isle of Wight and sleeping onboard the boats that evening. The Trust’s Patron Ellen MacArthur joined the children on day three, as they embarked on a tour of the local lifeboat and some sight seeing in Yarmouth. The day was rounded off with a short sail towards Newtown Creek a nature reserve and beach that soon became the temporary home for an EMT barbeque. The children spent the final night on board their boat before returning to UKSA the following morning for a wrap up, tidy up and a chance to say goodbye.
Jamila (11, Birmingham)
“It’s been a real experience. I loved finding out how the boat works, how the sails power the boat and how to navigate when you are sea. The whole trip was amazing and I have so many great memories, I loved exploring the Island and catching our dinner for the BBQ was great fun, I am very sad to leave but hopefully I’ll be able to come back again”
The internationally renowned sailor Ellen MacArthur launched the Trust on 2nd January 2003. In Ellen’s words: “These children are truly amazing. They face experiences that no child should ever have to go through, and yet they do it with the biggest smile on their faces, they are truly inspiring. If these trips can make a small difference to the children that join us then it is worth every penny. Thank you to all our supporters, we couldn’t do it without you.”
The four day trips run throughout July, with The Ellen MacArthur Trust aiming to take approximately 150 children out sailing this summer. The Trust will see it’s second year as the Official Charity for Skandia Cowes Week with an official charity day on Monday 6th August.
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