Families on the Isle of Wight who have been touched by cancer are invited to take a Christmas break on the mainland by Wightlink and the sailing charity Sail 4 Cancer.
‘Sail 4 Cancer’ (part of the 4 Cancer Group) is keen to provide respite from the effects of living with a diagnosis of cancer or to help families come to terms with a recent bereavement.
Keen to help Island-based families as well
The association between Sail 4 Cancer and Wightlink began in 2002, when it became the official charity at Cowes Week.
Although most activity is focused on bringing families to the Island for days out on the water or for a break at holiday parks, the charity has always been keen to help Island-based families as well.
Brocklehurst: A break from the everyday environment at home can be extremely valuable
Mark Brocklehurst, Family Liaison Manager at the wider ‘4 Cancer Group’, says,
“Thanks to the fantastic support we receive from Wightlink, we can offer free cross-Solent travel to families looking to get away over the festive period.
“We know how hard living with cancer and its effects can be for the whole family. We also know that a break from the everyday environment at home can be extremely valuable so we would really like to hear from anyone who would benefit from a trip away.”
James: Hopefully Island-based families can benefit
Island families can travel to the mainland either as foot passengers or by taking a car or people carrier. Each travel voucher is valid for up to seven passengers and is subject to availability.
Wightlink Director of Marketing and Innovation Stuart James says,
“We have long enjoyed a long association with Sail 4 Cancer and are delighted to continue our links over the Christmas period.
“Hopefully a lot of Island-based families who are living with the effects of cancer can benefit from this.”
Long-time Sail 4 Cancer partner ‘Something to Look Forward’ is handling the distribution of the vouchers. Families can apply for a return crossing by visiting its Website.
News shared by Karen on behalf of Wightlink. Ed
Image: Sail 4 Cancer’s Patron Sir Ben Ainslie enjoys a sailing day with a group of people helped by the charity (this photograph was taken pre-pandemic)
