24 September 2020

Ellen's final rallying call to get Round Britain Your Way

Exactly three years to the day (24 September) since the Trust sailed into Largs to complete the Round Britain 2017 voyage, Dame Ellen MacArthur is urging everyone to have one last push to get the Trust virtually Round Britain again in its epic month-long fundraiser.

Dame Ellen MacArthur has issued a final rallying call to inspire everyone to take on one last challenge to get us Round Britain Your Way again because "COVID might still be here next year, but cancer definitely will be."

On the last weekend of the charity's month-long virtual fundraiser, the Trust's Founder and Patron is encouraging anyone who can to do something - from putting in the miles on the bike to walking the dog - to raise vital funds to support young people in recovery from cancer into 2021 and beyond.

Dame Ellen MacArthurOver the past three weeks, people have been walking, swimming, cycling and running to rack up the miles to get us collectively round Britain together. Due to an overwhelming response, the first target to travel the 2,400 miles around Britain once was smashed in a fortnight! Since then the aim has been to get round again and match the two circumnavigations the Trust achieved in 2009 and 2017.

Ellen said: "Exactly three years ago to this day we entered Largs on the final leg of Round Britain 2017. Funds and awareness raised on that trip have helped rebuild young people's lives in recovery from cancer ever since. Now we're asking you to have one final push in this final weekend to have a go at doing something yourself.

"Put on your running shoes, jump in the pool, even just go out and walk your dog; it can be as exhilarating or relaxing as you like. But if you could get out there and help us to do that second round Britain, we can help every young person who needs us next year. Because COVID might still be here, but cancer definitely will be. Every young person we can help next year, we really want to help. So thank you, on behalf of all of them, thank you."

Many of the participants to take on a Round Britain Your Way challenge so far, have kept going past their target to just try to raise as much money as they can to support young people. So when the next 4,800 miles milestone is conquered, we will be doing the same to hit £15,000! Don't feel you can't get involved, just keep watching the pounds add up knowing you are changing young lives after treatment.

How can I get involved?

Through our Round Britain Your Way platform create your own challenge, track your distance(s), see the money you're raising and share your story with your friends, family, colleagues, school mates and anyone else to get more people supporting you in your awesome fundraising efforts. Make it as challenging or fun as you want. When you sign up you will choose the...

Within COVID restrictions, do it by yourself, as a household, together socially distanced or as a virtual team. Connect your Strava or Fitbit and it will automatically track the distance you've completed or you can manually add in your total miles. Then tell the world what you're doing and why! The more you make your story connect with people the more they will be willing to support you.

Can I just donate?

Yes! If the thought of these challenges is enough to wear you out, or you simply don't have the time to fit anything in before 30 September, you can support one of the individuals or teams taking part by searching for a fundraiser here or if you can't single anyone out and want to support everyone, you can donate directly to the Trust here.

Why it matters

Young people recovering from cancer are going to need the Trust more than ever after COVID-19. Because COVID has amplified feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety, anger and fear experienced in young people undergoing cancer treatment and their families.

Meanwhile, the Trust expects to see its income fall by a third this year due to COVID-19 taking a heavy toll on its 2020 fundraising activities. By getting involved in Round Britain Your Way, the Trust can still be here for those young people who need our support after their treatment ends.

Round Britain Your Way costs nothing to enter and there is no minimum fundraising pledge. Whatever you raise will make a massive difference to young people in recovery from cancer. The FAQs section of the Round Britain Your Way website should tell you everything else you need to know. Otherwise drop our team an email to [email protected]