The Hargreaves Foundation supports Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust

The Trustees of The Hargreaves Foundation are pleased to announce that funding has been awarded to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in support of securing places for 26 young people facing cancer on a return sailing trip.

For over 20 years, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has been taking young people aged 8-24 years on transformational sailing and outdoor activity adventures to inspire them to believe in a brighter future beyond cancer. Aboard the yachts is an environment that facilitates bonding, creates camaraderie, and provides learning of new skills, like learning to raise the sails, navigate, and be part of a sea crew.

Spending time on the water has many health and welfare benefits and is proven to lower stress levels, a major factor in both cancer prevention and recovery. By attending a trip, young people can make connections that can last a lifetime, while developing skills that promote independence and optimism beyond cancer. 

Each sailing trip uses up to six yachts in Cowes (their HQ) and up to five yachts in Largs (their Scotland base). The charity currently own three of the yachts while the others are chartered; this is a highly expensive outgoing and a key reason why sailing is often not accessible to many young people.

Funding from The Hargreaves Foundation will be spent facilitating 26 under 18-year-olds to join the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust on the water for a return sailing trip. This will be an in-depth sailing experience, where they can enjoy a hands-on sailing adventure where more responsibility is given on board. This can include tasks such as planning, navigation and being part of a ‘Watch’ team.