16 September 2004
16th September 04
The Little Britain challenge cup is the largest corporate racing event in Europe, taking place over a weekend in September each year. Last year they raised over £100,000 for charities. The LBCC has selected 10 charities as recipients of funds raised this year, The Ellen MacArthur Trust is one of the charities nominated.
The racing took place over the weekend of 9th - 12th September this Autumn. Plenty of wind and a great party atmosphere were to be found in Cowes, as 231 boats competed in a series of races in and around the Solent.
A comprehensive programme of racing and entertainment is organised by the LBCC which is a non- profit making organisation. The committee is entirely made up of volunteers and all profits are donated to charities.
The events programme included an award giving ceremony on the Friday night where Chris Boyle, the Chairman of the LBCC presented a cheque for £6,000 to the Trust Manager, Martin Noyle. Over 1,500 people were in attendance for an evenings entertainment that had a fancy dress theme from “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
“We are delighted that the LBCC has chosen to support The Ellen MacArthur Trust” said Martin, “All the money donated to the Trust will go directly towards taking more children recovering from cancer and leukaemia on sailing trips next year. It costs £1,000 to take a child on one of these trips so this kind donation really helps our cause.”
The evening also had a silent auction of various items, one of which was a hand signed crew top worn by Ellen in her Vendee Globe circumnavigation in 2000, accompanied by a letter of authenticity. The top achieved £1,000 from an anonymous bidder.
This generous bid means that one more child can benefit from next years programme - thank you so much for your generosity, whoever you are!