Dame Ellen calls on Round the Island sailors to help transform lives of young cancer survivors

Josh and his crew during 2022's Round the Island Race weekend © Martin Allen Photography

Dame Ellen MacArthur is calling on Round the Island Race sailors to help transform the lives of young cancer survivors by raising money for the 20th anniversary of her Isle of Wight-based charity in this Saturday's race (1 July).

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, which inspires young people to believe in a brighter future after cancer treatment through sailing and outdoor adventures, is once again the official Round the Island Race charity.

The Trust's month-long #200for20 anniversary fundraiser launches on race day, with crews encouraged to raise £200 in celebration of the charity's 20 years.

Also as part of the charity's 20th anniversary celebrations, Dame Ellen will take on the race for the second year running, joining 16 young people living through and beyond cancer.

Donations of £20 can be made by texting RACEFORALL to 70460, or search '2023RTIR' on justgiving.com to launch your own fundraising effort. If you would like to donate by text but do not wish to hear more from the charity, please text RACEFORALLNOINFO instead.

The money competitors raise will help around 700 young people from across the UK experience the magic of the Trust this summer - more than ever before. By the end of the summer, more than 3,000 young people will have joined an inspirational sailing adventure with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust since 2003.

Josh on board Solent Hero with Dame Ellen during 2022's Round the Island Race weekend - photo © Martin Allen Photography

Josh Rands was supported by the Trust after finishing treatment for synovial sarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, and he is taking part in this year's race as part of the Trust's fleet of three boats.

Knowing first-hand the difference the Trust makes to young people in rediscovering their purpose and place in the world after treatment, Josh has already raised over £700 ahead of the race for the charity he says is 'close to his heart'.

After sailing with Dame Ellen as part of the Trust fleet in last year's race, Josh said: "Being with the Trust made me realise how some limitations are now actually advantages. If I can sail, I can probably try this or do that. It really helps you push your boundaries.

"I know people who have gone on to university when they hadn't planned to because of the Trust, or who felt more confident in job interviews and more able to make friends. That's how I felt too.

"You realise you are not alone, you can make friends, and you can get on with living again. It's amazing how it carries you through beyond sailing and into the rest of your life."

Every day around 12 young people under 25 are diagnosed with cancer. What happens after treatment can be as difficult as, if not even more so, than the treatment itself.

Cancer can have a big impact on a young person's mental wellbeing beyond treatment and for many young people simply picking up where they left off before their diagnosis just isn't possible. That is why when treatment ends the Trust's work begins.

Join the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust's Round the Island Race fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/campaign/2023RTIR and head to www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org for ideas on how to fundraise and more information about the charity.