Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Spinlock extend partnership for five more years

Young cancer survivors will benefit from Spinlock’s continued support of Dame Ellen MacArthur’s cancer charity. The Isle of Wight-based marine design and manufacturing company will provide lifejackets for all young people joining Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust sailing trips free of charge over the next five years.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust takes young people ages 8-24 on sailing and outdoor adventures to inspire them to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer. Since 2018, Spinlock has supplied the charity with lifejackets at a considerable discount. These lifejackets are now due for renewal. Through the partnership, the company will update all of the lifejackets, £20,000 of support in total.

For many young people supported by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, sailing and being on a boat are completely new experiences. Thanks to Spinlock’s support, the young people can have fun and enjoy the transformational magic of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, while feeling reassured they are safe.

Frank Fletcher, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO said: “Thanks to Spinlock’s continued support with up-to-date equipment and training, young people can benefit from transformational sailing trips after their cancer treatment ends. We are grateful for their partnership and all Spinlock does to help keep our crews of young people, volunteers and skippers safe while on the water.”

Chris Hill, Spinlock CEO added: “Spinlock are delighted to continue our support of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. As well as fundraising and staff support, we will continue to supply and maintain a range of lifejackets and floatation equipment for the young people, volunteers and staff, to ensure they are safe and having a good time on the water and in their adventures.”

Cancer can have a big impact on a young person’s mental wellbeing beyond treatment and what happens afterwards can often be as difficult as treatment itself. That’s why when treatment ends, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s work begins. Through the opportunities offered by the charity, young people gain a new sense of purpose and self-worth, realise what they are capable of again, rediscover their independence and feel optimistic about what comes next in life.

Jessica Lynam, 27, sailed with the charity for the first time in 2023. She said: “I didn’t really know what to expect beforehand, but it just blew all my expectations out the water. Sailing was amazing, I learned so much. We learned how to do knots; I steered the boat. When we were tilting, I was holding on for my life, but I knew we were safe! I’d not had a chance to feel care-free in a while. Just looking at the stars and being out on the water, it took my mind off things.”

In addition to providing the lifejackets, Spinlock have offered all Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust skippers the opportunity to see the lifejackets being made and the appropriate training to be able to carry out lifejacket checks.

And to further support the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Spinlock have also organised a public raffle to raise money for the charity. Everyone entering has the chance to win £750 worth of Spinlock gear and a day for two people at Spinlock in Cowes, including a tour of HQ and live product testing.

To be in with a chance to win, visit app.galabid.com/spinlockraffle – one winning ticket will be drawn after the raffle closes on 30 November 2024.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is there for anyone who needs support, no matter how long ago their cancer treatment finished. Visit ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org or follow @emctrust on social media.