17 January 2025

Wonderful winter fundraisers

It’s been cold, dark, and damp, but these fundraisers have been a shining light this winter, inspiring us with their efforts to change young people’s lives

There were loads of incredible and imaginative fundraisers in 2024. Everyone who took part or donated in support of one has played a significant role in ensuring young people living through and beyond cancer have somewhere to turn to at a challenging time in their lives.

The numbers don’t lie. At the start of the year, JustGiving emailed us to say more than £30,000 had been raised for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in 2024 by people using their platform alone. From everyone here, and from all the young people you are helping, thank you for doing something truly special.

Here are just a few of those fabulous fundraisers from the last months of the year. If you're inspired to make a difference in 2025, we want to hear from you. Check out our fundraising section here and get in touch.

A photo of two people, a man on the left and Daisy on the right, who is holding a copy of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust's Inspire magazine

University winter ball

Daisy was a regular face on our Cowes trips last summer as our fantastic trip assistant. Just before Christmas, she and a friend fundraised at their university’s medicine winter ball, where they gave a talk and told everyone all about the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

Ebb and Flow

More people have been to space or climbed Everest than rowed the Atlantic. Team Ebb and Flow - Julie, Sally and Ed - are doing just that, right now. It's 3,000 miles - or 1.5 million oar strokes - across the Atlantic to Antigua, and with just solar power and a water maker to keep them going, it is one heck of an endurance test. They're raising money for four charities, including us, and we couldn't be more grateful.

A group shot of lots of people in the water on Boxing Day, just off the coast of Gurnard on the Isle of Wight. Many of them are wearing blue or white Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust tees, some have Santa hats, and everyone is smiling and laughing.

Boxing Day dip

Now in its 10th year, our Boxing Day dip at Gurnard Green saw hundreds take to the chilly Solent waters. The shock of the sea in winter is nothing compared to the moment a young person and their family hear the word cancer. More than £1,400 was raised on the day by the brave dippers and those who cheered them on.

Photo of Alexa and Ebenezer after completing the Royal Parks Half Marathon, Alexa is biting her medal in celebration and Ebenezer is giving a thumbs up

Royal Parks Half Marathon

Ebenezer and his friend Alexa completed London’s half marathon through the city’s stunning royal parks, raising more than £330 together. “As a cancer survivor,” Ebenezer said, “the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s sailing and outdoor adventures boosted my confidence and helped me focus on living fully. These experiences taught me that I am more than my illness.”

The Duophones, Mike and Andy, are playing their saxophones indoors in a room covered with posters for other live events, they are concentrating on playing and facing their music stands

Smooth saxophone

Mike and Andy, The Duophones, held a gig in Cowes’s Sounds + Grounds with some light, smooth jazz. They’re part of the Wight Sax saxophone choir and took donations during the show. Effortlessly cool.

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