Rolex Fastnet Race - Sail 4 Cancer calls on skippers and crews

by Lizette van Niekerk on 29 Jun 2013 Sail 4 Cancer is calling for skippers and crew members taking part in this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race to join a fundraising campaign in support of the charity’s ‘Young Carer’ project which benefits young British families living with cancer.

Sail 4 Cancer’s Young Carer project was set up in 2012 to provide water-based days out and short breaks for young families where a child is specifically responsible for caring for a parent or sibling who is unwell.

Lizette van Niekerk, Sail 4 Cancer’s Fundraising Manager explained, 'As the Mount Everest of the European sailing calendar, many skippers and crews choose to support a cause they are passionate about when competing in the Rolex Fastnet. Given cancer will affect 45% of us personally, Sail 4 Cancer hopes British crews will be inspired by the charity’s work and will want to support us.'

Lizette added 'We will provide short-breaks for 350 people this year but to carry on doing this next year, we urgently need to raise funds. If there are any crews out there who would like to Sail 4 Cancer, we would love to hear from you. We will supply you with a fundraising pack, hull decals and a flag. In addition, we’ll also set up a secure online fundraising page on our website so you can collect sponsorship from work colleagues, family and friends.'

Dee Caffari, Patron of Sail 4 Cancer and Rolex Fastnet veteran said 'The Rolex Fastnet is no ordinary sailing challenge – it’s one of the toughest psychological and physical challenges most sailors will ever face. But it’s nothing compared to what most cancer patients go through on a daily basis. If you are sailing in this year’s race please consider raising funds for Sail 4 Cancer who make a real difference to the lives of people in difficult circumstances.'

Set up in 2001 by a group of keen sailors who have all lost a close friend or family member to cancer, Sail 4 Cancer recognises that a cancer diagnosis has a huge impact, not just on the cancer patient, but the whole family unit. Sail 4 Cancer’s water based days out and short breaks give families something to look forward to after busy treatment schedules and provide valuable memories should the patient later die.

If you would like to get involved, visit Sail 4 Cancer or call 0845 408 1849.