Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust welcomes experienced sailor as new trustee

by Ellen MacArthur Trust 2 Sep 12:19 BST

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is delighted to welcome Vicky Ellis as the newest member of its Board of Trustees.

Vicky has a colourful and impressive career on the water as an experienced sailing instructor and racer. As part of the Clipper race 2013-2014, Vicky became only the second female skipper to complete it in its 20-year history, and the first female skipper to lead her team to win a leg of the race.

A familiar face on the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust's adventures as skipper, Vicky will now bring her experience working with youth non-profits and digital development to the charity's Board of Trustees in its new Trustee (Digital) role.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a national charity that takes young people aged 8-24 on sailing and outdoor adventures to inspire them to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.

As a trustee, Vicky will help guide and advise on an ever-changing digital landscape that the charity must understand and utilise to ensure it continues having the biggest impact on as many young people as possible.

Vicky said: "The weeks I have sailed with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust as a skipper are hands down the best weeks of my year, they are rewarding and incredibly fun.

"It gives young people not just a trip filled with laughter and friendship, but an inescapable reminder of their awesome potential and returns their belief that a brighter future is out there for them. The impact is remarkable. Everyone who's been on that journey deserves this support."

With her diverse experience, including on the charity's trips, Vicky will hold the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust to putting young people first in everything they do - an ethos that is integral to the charity's Ambitions - and help them do so even better as technology evolves.

As a sailor, she is used to dealing with uncertainty, so is well-placed to help the charity navigate the constantly changing digital landscape, seize the right opportunities, and avoid the pitfalls digital development can bring.

Vicky said: “I’m always striving to ensure people and organisations achieve their potential, and digital is a powerful way that organisations are finding to achieve that.

“I deeply care about the work of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. I understand the frontline work. All the young people I’ve met, and their stories and smiles, have left their imprints. That drives me to want to scale my impact to support the charity so that more young people, with greater representation, can find their awesome again.”

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is for any young person looking for support after cancer, no matter how long off treatment they are. More details can be found on their website, www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org.