Throughout Skandia Cowes Week B&Q have been entertaining various groups of people associated with B&Q ranging from executives to employees of the year from all corners of the country. They sail on the trimaran with Ellen MacArthur and then return to a champagne and canapés reception in the B&Q penthouse apartment looking over Cowes.

During the drinks reception the Ellen MacArthur Trust have had representatives there talking about what we do as a charity and providing information to the employees. With the help of Alison Yaldren and her team from B&Q a raffle has been running all week with major prizes including a sail with Olympic Sailor, Sarah Ayton, lots of DIY equipment and lots of fleeces and DVDs connected to Ellen and the Trust.

Within the first three days of selling tickets we have raised over £500 and B&Q have generously promised to match this. We have already reached our target of £1000 enabling us to take a child on a trip for four days. Thanks must go to Ali Yaldren for putting so much effort in to make the raffle such a success and giving us the opportunity to talk about The Ellen MacArthur Trust with our sponsors.