My story

This June, as I approach my fiftieth birthday, I will lead a small all-male crew sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.  None of us on the boat has ever undertaken this significant challenge, pitting us against the notoriously fickle and frequently fierce environment of the North Atlantic.

In a 47-foot, sloop-rigged Beneteau, we are planning to sail the distance of just under 3,000 miles in approximately 21 days.  But weather will play a major part in our voyage, and we could be at sea for considerably longer.  We are preparing for all eventualities, from ice and gales to fear and tears.  At the back of all our minds is the fact that this ocean is dangerous, not all who venture on it reach their destinations—and all are changed by the experience.

But at the front of our minds is why we are doing this.  Breast cancer seems to be everywhere in the 21st century, and the fear it wields has probably touched most of us in some way.  While medical strides are being made everyday, ultimately, we all want breast cancer eliminated from our lives.  That’s where Breakthrough’s Generations Study comes in.  Recently-launched, this vital piece of research aims to discover the causes of breast cancer and so prevent it from occurring in future generations.  Its first step is to recruit 100,000 women from all walks of life to monitor their lifestyle factors over the next 50 years.

Sadly, most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and many of us are accustomed to hearing of somebody crossing the Atlantic Ocean—it would be easy to think of both as “commonplace”—but both these life-changing events are far from ordinary.  Both are journeys--challenges charged with emotion, fear and exhaustion, where you live each day as it comes, never knowing what it will bring, relying on your inner strength, hope and determination and the support of those around you, to get you through. 

Although I sailed a lot throughout my childhood and into my twenties, I was a “coastal” sailor, and I have done far less of even that in recent years.  Thus, this transatlantic crossing is a serious challenge for me.  If I am honest, I have more than a little concern about what's ahead.  But it is very important to me that I undertake this challenge, succeed at it and, in doing so, do as much as I can to help Breakthrough. Far too many of my family and close friends, many of whom I consider family, have battled and are battling this dreadful disease.

Raising a significant sum of money in these days of understandable fundraising fatigue is also a challenge.  But I invite you to join me on the crucial voyage to help Breakthrough eradicate breast cancer by supporting this challenge in whatever way you can.   Please take some time to consider what we are doing and pledge a donation towards our £250,000 target.  I am personally meeting all the costs of this challenge, so all donations and sponsorship funding will go to Breakthrough.  Your contribution will enable Breakthrough to take a giant leap towards a future free from the fear of breast cancer.  With your support, we really can “make waves” and contribute to the “breakthrough”.

Amelia C Fawcett CBE


P.S. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Breakthrough Breast Cancer will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support.

My gallery 1

My Teams

My company

My charity

Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Charity Registration No. England & Wales No.1062636 Scotland No. SC039058

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is a pioneering charity dedicated to the prevention, treatment and ultimate eradication of breast cancer. We believe passionately that this disease can be beaten. By fighting on three fronts – research, campaigning and education – we are determined to save and change lives by removing the fear of breast cancer for good.

Donations 220

Nick, Amelia and James if stowed away.Back form hols. Hope all going well. Will now check web for yo

Donation by William watson on 05/07/06

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

dear Amy, the very best of luck, Terry Knott

Donation by terry knott on 04/07/06

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Wishing you all fair weather, no icebergs and the best luck!

Donation by Marcus Sephton on 03/07/06

£200.00

+ £56.41 Gift Aid

Inspirational! Good luck and safe journey

Donation by Ceri and Mike Jackson on 02/07/06

£25.00

+ £7.05 Gift Aid

I'm with you in spirit all the way - big love and respect xx

Donation by Clare PJ on 02/07/06

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

Have a wonderful time. Have been following with log. Great job Much love, Angelica

Donation by Angelica Cannon on 30/06/06

£25.00

Respect!

Donation by Ken Rushton on 29/06/06

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

good wind calm seas smooth sailing!

Donation by Bob Alfred on 29/06/06

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

Good luck

Donation by Stuart Bohart on 28/06/06

£1,000.00

+ £282.05 Gift Aid

All best wishes and see you in August.

Donation by The Gadigians on 28/06/06

£100.00

Go Amy Go! Just another stretch goal..!

Donation by Mike Steinharter on 28/06/06

£100.00

Bon courage!!

Donation by Coline McConville on 28/06/06

£200.00

+ £56.41 Gift Aid

Donation by Margaret Wallace on 28/06/06

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of luck, nice BHAG

Donation by Derek Bandeen on 28/06/06

£1,000.00

+ £282.05 Gift Aid

I' very impressed with the challenge - good luck all of you.

Donation by Wendy on 27/06/06

£30.00

+ £8.46 Gift Aid

Bonne chance Amy

Donation by Patrick on 27/06/06

£100.00

Good Luck and safe travelling

Donation by Nettle on 27/06/06

£36.00

+ £10.15 Gift Aid

All the best of luck, Amy

Donation by Henry on 26/06/06

£15.00

Donation by Patricia Tehan on 26/06/06

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Diane Offereins on 26/06/06

£275.00

Will follow your progress every day. Love, Susi & Peter

Donation by Susi Young on 26/06/06

£20.00

With all good wishes for a safe and successful voyage

Donation by Jean and Don Bramley (The Major) on 26/06/06

£50.00

Checking progress daily, all love xx

Donation by The Bowens on 26/06/06

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Hi Amelia - Greetings from an old S&C friend! Lista told me about this. Good luck! Bob

Donation by Bob Owen on 25/06/06

£50.00

Wishing you safe journey and good fun! See you in Cornwall!

Donation by Elizabeth Gardiner on 25/06/06

£300.00

+ £84.62 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£35,322.00
  • Offline donations£265,000.00
  • Text donations£0.00
  • Total raised£300,322.00
  • Gift Aid£7,883.33

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.