Wightlink supports Sail 4 Cancer

A charity that provides much-needed breaks for families affected by cancer has been given a welcome boost by Island company Wight Sails and ferry company Wightlink.

Sail 4 Cancer generates money by turning unwanted sails into various bags using a mainland company. They are then sold for profit. The charity was offered a large consignment of sails from Wight Sails owner Peter le Masurier and also free Wightlink transport for the two vans and six people required to collect the load.

Sail 4 Cancer chairman Graham Precey says: “We knew that we had been donated a sizeable quantity but we were taken aback – and obviously pleased – when we realised Peter wanted to give us around 300 sails!”

“There were all sorts of sails including many old race sails from the Clipper round-the-word fleet which were huge. By the time we had loaded them all up we were exhausted. Not only did Wightlink offer free travel they also changed our booking meaning we were able to return home earlier than expected which was a relief after such a lot of lifting.”

Graham says: “The sails are now being sorted and de-metalled so that they can be washed and cut for manufacture into duffle bags. These will then be sold with the proceeds going towards providing much needed water-based respite breaks for families affected by cancer.

“We would like to thank Wightlink for their fantastic support and also, of course, Peter le Masurier for his immense generosity. Their efforts will make a huge contribution to our work.”

Wightlink Marketing and Innovation Director Stuart James says: “We are all aware of the fantastic work undertaken by Sail 4 Cancer and we were delighted to be able to help them out.”

Sail 4 Cancer, set up in 2001 by a group of keen sailors who had all lost a close friend or relative to the disease, is always keen to hear from anyone willing to donate sails in support of their work. The charity also makes grants to cancer care centres and supports research into the positive effects of exercise (eg sailing) and how it can help prevent cancer and aid recovery post-diagnosis.

Pictured, Sail 4 Cancer volunteer Ellie Duchossoy with some of the donated sails

For more on Sail 4 Cancer please visit https://www.sail4cancer.org/

For more information, contact Karen Woods on 07775 694266 or [email protected].