Maritime & Marine
Published: July 22, 2024 | Updated: 22nd July 2024
Spinlock has extended its partnership with Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust for another five years.
The Cowes-based marine design and manufacturing company will continue to provide lifejackets free of charge for all young people participating in the charity’s sailing trips.
Founded by Dame Ellen MacArthur, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust takes young people aged 8 to 24 on sailing and outdoor adventures, helping them to see a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.
Since 2018, Spinlock has supplied the charity with lifejackets at a substantial discount.
These lifejackets will now be updated along with £20,000 worth of support from Spinlock.
Frank Fletcher, CEO of Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, 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’re 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, CEO of Spinlock, added: “Spinlock are delighted to continue our support of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
“As well as fundraising and staff support, we’ll continue to supply and maintain a range of lifejackets and flotation equipment for the young people, volunteers and staff, to ensure they’re safe and having a good time on the water and in their adventures.”
Cancer can have a big impact a young person’s mental wellbeing, and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust aims to help them rebuild their lives post-treatment.
The charity offers opportunities for young people to rediscover their independence and feel optimistic about the future.
Jessica Lynam, 27, went sailing with the charity for the first time in 2023.
“I didn’t really know what to expect beforehand, but it just blew all my expectations out the water,” she said.
“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.”
As well as the lifejackets themselves, Spinlock has offered training to all trust skippers to carry out lifejacket checks.
The company has also organised a public raffle to raise funds for the charity, offering a chance to win £750 worth of Spinlock gear and a day for two at Spinlock in Cowes – including a tour of HQ and live product testing.
The raffle closes on 30 November 2024, with one winner to be drawn.
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