Standard entry to the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race does not close until midnight on 2nd June but already the figure currently stands at 1,044.
Among those entering will be those belonging to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust who for the second year running have been appointed as the race Official Race Charity
The Trust has entered four boats, providing 25 young people in recovery from cancer the opportunity to compete in the Race. They will be joined for the Race by Trust Patron, Ellen MacArthur along with Race first-timer, DJ Rob da Bank. Ellen MacArthur will be racing with seven of the Trust’s young people on the elegant 90ft sloop Dark Star, generously lent to the Trust for the Race by owner Ed Stacey through Dream Sailing.
Ellen explains, “Everyone at the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is thrilled that the owner of Dark Star has welcomed us on board for the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. This will be a completely different experience for the young people in recovery from cancer. I hope through all the weekend’s fundraising initiatives that we can help many more young people in their recovery from the illness in the future.”
Last year the Trust raised an incredible £57,547 through their involvement as the Official Charity of the Round the Island Race.
Competitors thinking of fundraising for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust can do so in a number of ways this year.
They can enter a boat in the ‘Charity Challenge’. The ISCRS and IRC rated entries that are fastest on corrected time and raise a minimum of £250 will receive an additional £1,000 donation, courtesy of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, for their chosen charity.
They can buy a virtual mile of the Race through the ‘Buy a Mile’. Choose which of the incredible young people racing you would like to support, otherwise they can buy Ellen MacArthur or D.J. Rob da Bank’s virtual miles from as little as £10.
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust takes young people aged 8 – 24, who are recovering from cancer and other serious illness on sailing trips throughout the summer. These trips can rebuild the confidence often lost through long periods in hospital, giving the young people a chance to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
The Radio 1 DJ and Bestival organiser, Rob da Bank, will be joining the Trust’s crew aboard Moonspray, a GibSea 44. Joining Rob will be the Isle of Wight Radio breakfast presenter Paul Topping, who will broadcast live from the boat throughout the Race.
J.P. Morgan employees from Bournemouth have their own unique way of fundraising for the Trust. For the sixth year, they will be competing in their very own Round the Island Race using pedal power. Last year the cyclists raised an incredible £18,622 pedalling the 62 miles around the Island. Their challenge is to beat the fastest yacht to the finish line.
Other exciting ways to get involved with the Trust in the Race Village this year include a Sports Village, where visitors can have a go with the rowing machine, javelin, badminton and a Wii station.
The easiest way to add to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s fundraising total is through ‘Text to Donate’, just text EMCT00 £5 to 70070. Every penny goes straight to the Trust.
This type of races creates the awareness of cancer as well raise some funds to charity. good idea!