Set up in 2001 by a group of keen sailors who had all lost a
close relative or a friend to cancer in recent years, Sail 4 Cancer
aims to raise significant funds to provide those living with cancer
with respite from the relentlessness of this disease, to help them
regain their dignity and self confidence and to give them
much-needed quality time with their family and friends.
During 2011 Sail 4 Cancer provided over 1300 respite days for
cancer patients, their families and carers and those that had
suffered bereavement through cancer. These opportunities included a
variety of sailing experiences, from relaxing cruising days to
adventurous weekends and regattas, family riverboat holidays, water
sports holidays and cruises. This wide range of activities means
that diagnosed individuals of different ages and stages of illness
can benefit from the wonderful therapeutic powers of being out on
the water. What all these opportunities have in common are the
chance to rebuild shattered confidence, strengthen important
relationships and to create positive memories far removed from
hospitals and treatment.
To date over 1,800 people have benefited from Sail 4 Cancer's
respite opportunities. The charity hopes to continue to bring
benefit to people with the provision of at least a further 1500
respite days in 2012 but can only do this with your help!
Cancer can strike even the fittest, and there was
none fitter than our own Dave Newton, beloved husband of Pat and
dad to Gray and Colin. Dave was a founder member of our club and
was pretty well unbeatable in his Laser until he died in 2010. He
loved the club, sailing….and winning. He regularly cycled to the
club and ran in marathons until very recently. In his last days he
was comforted and supported by Cancer charities at his home, which
would not exist without your donations.
With its connections with our sport and the disease, the
Commodore, Nick Waters, thought that it is appropriate that we
support Sail 4 Cancer as his charity for 2012. Like all charities
they depend on the generous donations given to their very worthy
cause. You can donate in the collection points in the galley or the
bar, or by going to the Sail 4
Cancer.
