Emma from the Earl Mountbatten Hospice shares this latest news. Ed
Trade was particularly buoyant at Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s Cowes shop during the internationally famous Cowes Week regatta, thanks in part to a pop-up rigging shop which is helping raise further funds for patient and family care.
Throughout the week, Harwoods of Yarmouth and English Braids were selling limited edition bright yellow Hospice fenders and yellow rope bracelets, alongside their usual selection of ropes and cords. Scores of sailors have snapped up the fundraising fenders which have proved particularly popular among the yachting community.
Record breaker
On Friday (12 August), record-breaking sailor Alex Alley showed his support for Earl Mountbatten Hospice by taking ownership of his own fenders and proudly displayed them on his Class 40 Pixel flyer yacht.
Alex, of Gosport, set the first record for sailing the length of Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats in December 2015, as part of a challenge to conquer eight different world records culminating in a bid to break the single-handed, round the world record in 2017/18.
Around the world challenge
Alex said:
“I’m really pleased to be showing my support for this worthwhile cause. The fenders will be a great addition to my yacht and I am sure their bright yellow colour will raise interest and awareness during my next record-breaking challenges which range from short trips to transatlantic records.
“The ultimate challenge will of course be the solo around the world trip, which I’m very much looking forward to in the next couple of years.”
Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive at Earl Mountbatten Hospice, said:
“The partnership with English Braids and Harwoods of Yarmouth has proved incredibly successful and innovative. I would like to thank both companies, on behalf of all our patients and families who will benefit from their hard work and great commitment throughout last week.
“I very much hope we can continue to work together and see even more yachts sporting our limited edition fenders next year. I also wish Alex well for his record breaking attempts and we will be keeping an eye out to see how far around the world he can help promote the Hospice with his fenders!”
A great cause to support
Danny Arthur, of Yarmouth-based Harwoods, said:
“It was a great week and we’ve been delighted with the support from the sailing community. We’ve had a huge range of customers, from families to fishermen and now even record-breaking yachtsmen!
“Earl Mountbatten Hospice is a great cause to support and we’re delighted to be a part of this fundraising initiative.”
Etchells interest
Meanwhile the pop-up shop has attracted the attention of the internationally renowned Etchells Class, with Fleet Captain David Franks kindly agreeing to support the Harwoods and English Braids initiative for the Hospice.
The fleet has made a considerable donation and will be proudly displaying their yellow fenders during the upcoming Europeans from 27 to 30 August and Etchells Worlds which the Cowes Fleet is proud to be hosting between 2 and 10 September.
Image: © Danny Arthur, Kath Bright, Alex Alley and Justin Jones
