Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust: 3 Year Plan approaches halfway mark

This summer marks the half way stage of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust's Three Year Plan to double the number of young people in recover from cancer who sail with the charity.

Thanks to support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, the Trust is on track to fulfil their goal. The Trust team has organized an unprecedented number of trips for 2015 with the aim of taking a total of 649 young people sailing, compared to 434 in 2014 and 353 in 2013.

An increase in funding from players of People Postcode Lottery has played a large part in the Trust's ability to continue expanding their operations.

Head of Charities for People's Postcode Lottery, Clara Govier commented: "My first experience with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was in 2011. The positive impact the trips have is obvious when you meet the young people who sail with the Trust. I am so pleased that our players have a shared vision and are able to help support and facilitate the Trust's Three Year Plan."

A total of 29 trips have been planned for this year, six more than the 23 that were run last year and the most in the Trust's twelve-year history. The Trust is also excited that for the first time, the same number of trips will be run out the charity's base in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight and their hub in Largs, Scotland. They began running trips from Largs in 2013 as a way of making the Trust increasingly accessible to young people across the UK.

Founder Dame Ellen MacArthur explains, "We currently work with 8.1% of the young people we could help in the UK but with the support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, along with the continued support and dedication of our fundraisers, we are growing year on year."

The first four-day sailing trips of the summer mark another significant milestone for the Trust. From Monday 15th – Thursday 18th June, the Trust are running two trips simultaneously for the first time on the Solent on the South Coast of England and on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland.

Launched in 2003, the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. In its 12th year, the Trust has grown beyond every expectation into a national charity. Working with every young person Principal Treatment Centre and a growing number of Designated Units in the UK. Taking young people aged between 8-24 who are recovering from cancer on four-day sailing trips.

There are many ways you can support The Trust with your time, money or services. To become a Friend of the Trust and help them to continue to provide support and encouragement to young people in recovery from cancer visit: www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org