Christmas Cheer For Biggest Ever Jingle Bell Walk

More than 60 people donned Santa hats and jingled their way round Cowes to support young people in recovery from cancer for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s biggest ever Jingle Bell Walk on Sunday (9 December).

From reindeer babies to merry mums and dads and dogs in antlers, the festive fundraisers donned blue Christmas hats and bells to spread some Christmas cheer on the 3km circular route round the town.

With the event ho-ho-hosted by long-time Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust partners, Musto, it was then back to their store on Cowes High Street for Christmas songs, mulled wine and judging for the mince pie competition, won by star baker Joyce Howard.

Christmas difference

The Jingle Bell walkers raised £400 to support young people aged 8-24 in rebuilding their confidence after cancer through Trust sailing and adventure trips.

When treatment ends the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s work begins, as for many young people picking up where they left off before their diagnosis just isn’t possible.

Ashleigh Gibbs, Community Fundraiser, said: “It was brilliant to see so many, and such a mix of, people make the most of the lovely winter sunshine to support young people in recovery from cancer.

"During the walk, people were coming over to find out what we were up to and putting money in our collection tins so we cannot thank everyone enough for their interest and generosity, your support will make a real difference next year.”

#DareToDip on Boxing Day

Meanwhile, if you’re feeling brave and bold, there is still time to get involved in some festive fundraising by blowing away the Christmas Day cobwebs and joining the brrrrrrrrrrrillant Boxing Day Dip at Gurnard Green on the Isle of Wight.

Hundreds of brave bathers took the plunge last year, so if you dare to dip, whether by joining the Cowes plunge or getting involved in a local dip where you live, use #EMCTDaretoDip and tag @EMCTrust on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to show us what you’re made of!

Sign up for the Isle of Wight Boxing Day Dip at www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/get-involved/events