Big thanks to Gus and his rowing team who have helped raise £2,670 from the Round the Island Challenge http://www.justgiving.com/sotonrowchallenge/


Support Macmillan Cancer Support's entry in the Round the Island Race 2009

Macmillan Cancer Support is set to compete in the new JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2009 Charity Challenge.

The Charity Challenge comprises of the four preferred race charities Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate UK, The Ellen MacArthur Trust and Breast Cancer Care.
The charities will each compete in the race sailing identical Oceanis 37s, courtesy of race partner Bénéteau. Each boat will have up to 4 crew places available for those who wish to represent and fundraise for one of these four charities. A professional skipper and crew members will also be onboard.

Information on the Macmillan Cancer Support boat and crew

Crew Member 1: Gus Mckechnie

Gus is the first crew member to be announced for The Challenge Macmillan Cancer Support Boat, the race will be the second part of Gus’s fundraising efforts, as a few days before he will also being rowing around!

Gus has a number of important reasons for mounting these two fundraising challenges, his brother and Father both passed away in 2003 from a genetic condition called haemachromatosis, something Gus will one day develop. To add to this his mother developed cancer in 2007, Gus was at home with his mother when the cancer caused a fatal heart attack. Gus’s mother who cared for his brother Andrew was a Macmillan volunteer and Gus wants to support this great Charity.

If he completes the challenge he will be the first person to have rowed around the Island clockwise and anti clockwise. These trips around the Isle of Wight will be especially emotional, as his mother was present to watch the final part of his first row around the Isle of Wight in 2005, which was in the memory of his Dad and Brother.

Gus will be rowing around the Isle of Wight in a coastal four rowing boat with members of the Williams family. The Williams Team consist of Ian, Andy, Robbie, Johnny, Jaz & Zach Willanms plus Maddie Dunn.They are doing the row as a thank you for all the people who recently helped their Mum survive cancer.

Crew Member 2 Wayne Collett
In his own words....
Here’s me 50 yrs old, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer Feb 29th 2008. This has had a devastating impact on my family and people around me. Some treat me like I cant do anything, but I would like to do things that I haven’t done in my life - and raise money along the way.

Round the Island is a great starting point. I’ve been around water in one way or another most of my life as a plumber bathroom fitter and as someone who enjoys fishing. However, since my diagnosis I’ve had a whole new approach to life. I’m up for a more active challenge and hope that people will sponsor me so that together we can help people affected by cancer and offer more of Macmillan’s services to people in need.
All the best Wayne

Crew Member 3  Gina Cattell
In her own words.....
It is a privilege to represent the Macmillan charity in the Island Yacht Race. They have supported me in various ways through the cancer journey so far. I am a community staff nurse and have worked alongside the Macmillan nurses on the island giving palliative care to those with cancer in the community. I am keenly aware of the holistic care they offer patients.
I am delighted to be sailing. I want to feel the breeze on my face, know the power of the wind to move us through the sea and hopefully (british weather permitting!) see the sparkle of the sun on the waves. I can't think of a better way to live life fully and abundantly on that day


Please kindly donate and help the crew raise as much money as possible for this brilliant charity

If you would like any more information please contact
dan.wilkinson@intotheblue.biz