Well done to everyone who took part in the Great South Run last Sunday. Jessica has more details. Ed
Last Sunday (24th October), Eleven people from Cowes on the Isle of Wight took part in the 10 mile BUPA Great South Run to raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, a charity that takes young people in recovery from cancer and leukaemia sailing.
The BUPA Great South Run is one of the UK’s biggest sporting participation events, the team of eleven runners lined up, against 23,000 other people to race through the historic maritime town of Portsmouth.
The team of 63 runners, have so far raised a total is £21,225 which already exceeds there target of £20,000, which will enable the charity to take over 42 young people sailing across their four day summer sailing trips.
Amanda Van Santen, from Cowes, who volunteers with the Trust, crossed the finish line in a time of 01h 26m 12s and summed up why she chose to raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. “The Trust is a great charity doing some fantastic work for kids that really need our help and support. A 10 mile run is nothing compared to some of the challenges the kids I have met have been through, that definitely helps you complete the last few miles! There is a great group of us from Cowes raising money for the Trust and everyone is really supportive”.
Other Isle of Wight residents running for the Trust included Dan Wilkinson, Rob Hutton, Frank Fletcher (Trust CEO), James Mooreman, Miles Hamer, Hugh Calloway, Lou Newlands, Amanda Van Santen, Maddie Dunn, Clairey Meadowcroft and Alasdiar Bodens. Originally from Cumbria and who has know settled in Cowes, Alasdair is hoping to raise an impressive £250 through the race for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The funds will go towards helping even more young people from hospitals all across the country experience this special opportunity.
“I used to do a lot of Rowing challenges, using the torturous Concept 2’s you find in the gym but I’ve never run before, except for a bus! I chose to raise money for the Trust because previously I wasn’t fully aware of the in depth well-structured work the Trust does and really wanted to spread the word and let more people to see the great work they do.” Alasdair Bodens.
What is the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust?
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was set up by Ellen MacArthur in 2003 and aims to inspire young people’s cancer recovery through sailing. The Trust takes young people sailing to help them regain their confidence, on their way to recovery from cancer and leukaemia.
Joining Alasdair and Amanda from Cowes was Frank Fletcher, the Trust’s CEO, who praised everyone who raised money for the Trust during the run. “It was a fantastic day and I’m very proud of everyone that entered. I would like to say congratulations to all of our runners during this year’s Great South Run, whose fundraising efforts will enable us to take 50 young people in recovery from cancer or leukeamia sailing in 2011. Everyone at the Trust would like to say a massive thank you to those that took part and those who donated, this support is as always, invaluable in making these trips a reality for young people all over the UK.”
You can help
There are many ways you can support the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust with your time, money or services. You can become a Friend of the Trust by signing up as a regular giver.
£2 a month will pay for a young person’s food and drink during their trip. Become a Friend of the Trust today and help them continue to provide support and encouragement to young people in recovery from serious illness.
Image: Top: Alasdair Bodens from Cowes (c) Tracy Curtis
Second: Ellen MacArther Cancer Trust team
Third: Dan Wilkinson, Rob Hutton, Frank Fletcher Trust CEO & James Moorman all from Cowes
