Support Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in the Great South Run

By Nicky Moore on 19 May 201130 October 2011

Are you looking for an incentive to take part in this year’s Bupa Great South Run? How about helping to raise funds for children in recovery from cancer? The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, a charity that aims to inspire young people’s cancer recovery through sailing, has 55 places available in this year’s Bupa Great South Run, and they need your help!

The Great South Run is a 10 mile road race, which is just as suited to the international elite runner as it is to the recreational jogger. As one of the UK’s most popular running events, the flat and scenic course through Southsea, Portsmouth takes you past much of Britain's naval heritage, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was set up by Dame Ellen MacArthur in 2003 and takes young people sailing to help them regain their confidence, on their way to recovery from cancer and leukaemia. In 2010, 19 year old Larvell Gisby, from Nottingham, took part in the Great South Run for the Trust, a charity close to his heart after he first sailed them whilst in recovery from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Larvell said:
“I have seen for myself how the Trust helps young people regain there confidence after they have been seriously ill and the benefits which young people go home with, like new friends, new experiences and new hobbies. I was one of those people, when I first sailed with the Trust I had really low confidence and the Trust has definitely changed me. I never thought I would ever complete a race like the Great South Run, but I did that and went on to do the Brighton Marathon this year to! This is my way of trying to help and say thank you for all the help and support that the Trust has given to me.”

This year’s Run takes place on the 30th October, and up to 21,000 runners are expected to line up on the day to take on the challenge. The Trust are asking that runners aim to raise a minimum of £100 through their race, and runners will also be asked to pay the £35 entry fee. Every runner will receive a pack containing idea’s for fundraising and all runners will also receive a branded running top to wear on the day. Each runner, and their families and friends are also invited to join us at our reception to enjoy some well-deserved refreshments after the race - A great chance for the Trust to say thank you to you for taking on this challenge and for you to celebrate your achievements.

Frank Fletcher, the Trust CEO explained the importance of fundraisers to the Trust:
“Our fundraisers make such a difference to our work and we really do appreciate every penny that people donate to us. It costs £500 for The Trust to take one young person sailing on a four-day trip, and we would be thrilled if people were interested in joining our team and helping to raise vital funds for young people in recovery from cancer through the Great South Run.”

It couldn’t be easier to register your interest in running for the Trust. To register or for more details please email or call 01983 297750.

For more information on the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust please visit, www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org, and for more information on the Great South Run go to www.greatrun.org/Events/Event.aspx?id=12