AAS: Now 22-years-old, how did Sail 4 Cancer originally come about?
AH: I lost my father to cancer, a salty old sea dog, on Boxing Day in 1999. Given our shared love of the sea, I wanted to raise some money in his memory so I chartered a tall ship in 2001 and challenged 50 or so friends to climb the main mast as a fundraiser. It grew from there.
AAS: The charity has helped more than 7,000 people to date. Can you tell us more about what Sail 4 Cancer provides?
AH: Sail 4 Cancer provides water-based days out and holidays for families affected by cancer. This could be a day of sailing on the Solent / Lake Windermere or a longer holiday afloat on a self-drive riverboat. We have also provided cruises for many people living with or recovering from cancer too. Given that I work in the cruise industry this latter area has been a particular focus in recent years.
AAS: What is your role with the charity?
AH: I am the charity’s founder and one of four trustees. I get involved in pretty much every aspect of running the charity from talking to the families we help to opening the post.
AAS: The charity purchased its first holiday property last year. Who are some of Sail 4 Cancer’s holiday partners?
AH: Since 2001, we have sent over 7,000 people away on some sort of respite break. We have worked with a huge number of brands over the years including Neilson, Sunsail, Ocean Elements, Britannia Sailing, BlueBox, Wightlink, Island Cruises and Marella Cruises.
AAS: What are some of the challenges faced by Sail 4 Cancer, and charities in general, in recent times?
AH: The pandemic had a seismic impact on the charitable sector and Sail 4 Cancer’s income dropped by 90 per cent overnight. Sadly, it has never recovered due to several key corporate partners going bankrupt. Event based income has dropped massively too thanks, in part, to the cost of living crisis. We are in desperate need of funds to carry on our work.
AAS: In what ways can All at Sea’s readers support Sail 4 Cancer?
AH: There are literally hundreds of ways people can help from volunteering their time to helping us raise funds. This could take the form of leaving a legacy to the charity in a will or by bequeathing an asset such as a yacht or holiday home which we can use to further the charity’s work. On a more local level, people can arrange ‘Tea by the Sea’ fundraising events at their sailing club, take part in a sporting event to raise funds or even make a small monthly donation. We are immensely grateful for all offers of help, great or small!
AAS: What is coming up for the remainder of the year for Sail 4 Cancer?
AH: Sadly, our yacht on Lake Windermere sank in a storm. A much loved respite platform, one of our aims this year is to replace it and get some people out on the water. The feedback we receive from our sailing trips is always amazing.
AAS: You enjoy your sports, including dinghy sailing, but do you have a favourite?
AH: Dinghy sailing is certainly a passion of mine but I enjoy being out on the water irrespective of the type of boat. At the moment I seem to be spending most of my time afloat on the Isle of Wight ferry. The charity has bought a respite holiday home there for young families recovering from cancer and I have been helping out with decorating.
AAS: If you could have dinner with any two people from history, dead or alive, who would you choose?
AH: To have one more dinner with by dad would be simply incredible… I have so much I want to say. I miss him so very much. Also, I think meeting the late and great oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau would be fascinating.
ABOUT SAIL 4 CANCER
Set up in 2001 by a group of sailors who had all lost a close friend or relative to cancer, Sail 4 Cancer is primarily a provider of water-based respite days and holidays for families affected by the disease. Spending time on the water has many health benefits and is proven to lower stress levels, a major factor in recovery. The charity’s founders passionately believe in what they collectively call ‘the power of the holiday’; day trips or longer holidays give each family something to look forward to after the family member with cancer has a course of treatment. They provide precious memories and also help the bereaved come to terms with their loss. www.sail4cancer.org
