News

Ellen MacArthur Trust ambassador Daniel Monk joins Clipper 07-08

28 August 2007

Daniel will become the first Ellen MacArthur Trust ambassador to take on this epic challenge. Dan, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2001, first sailed with The Ellen MacArthur Trust in 2003 joining other young children who were suffering or in recovery from cancer or leukemia on a four-day trip in The Solent.  It was clear from the very beginning that Dan had a passion for sailing and wanted to take his sailing further. Year after year Dan returned to join The Trust sailing in and around The Solent and in various races and regattas, including the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race.  After a relapse in 2005 Dan decided that he wanted to become more involved in the sailing industry, with the support of The Trust he took on the Professional Yachtmaster course, successfully qualifying May 2007.

“I remember coming back from my first weekend on the water with the Trust and thinking that I wanted to be just like the skipper,” explained Dan.  “It’s my three year plan to sail solo around the world and I think this race will help me make some decisions about this.  What better way to go round the world the first time than racing with crew on the Clipper 07-08 Race?”

In August 2007 Dan spoke about his experiences of cancer in front of 390 people at The Ellen MacArthur Trust Ball at Skandia Cowes Week, he shared his dream to sail around the world within the next three years.  Within a week Dan had been contacted and was given the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Clipper Race and sail around the world. 

“Dan has already dealt with challenges more difficult than many of us can begin to imagine, but has come through these challenges more focused and determined than ever. He is a wonderful person, a talented sailor and extremely committed and determined to take his sailing further. This Clipper Round the World voyage will give Dan the experience at sea he needs and we hope will be an instrumental step in the direction he wishes to go. Myself, and everyone at the Ellen MacArthur Trust wish him all the very best”.  Ellen MacArthur, Patron of the Ellen MacArthur Trust

Daniel, who is now in remission from leukeamia, has been given consent to race from UCLH (University College London Hospital) haematology department. After hearing the news about the race Dan attended a full check up and series of tests in order to have the official sign off to join the race.  A condition of his entry will be that Dan must attend some of his routine medical checkups throughout the race.

“I really cannot thank everyone enough for this opportunity,” said Dan. It was a huge shock when I found out that I was going, I am nervous but excited about the race ahead.  I am looking forward to being an ambassador for The Trust all over the world and hopefully give something back through fundraising along the way,”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Clipper Ventures said: “We are absolutely delighted that Dan is taking part in the Clipper Race, joining almost 400 crew members from all over the world taking part. I’m sure his inspiring adventure will encourage more people to overcome their limitations and live their lives to the full. By taking up the challenge of sailing round the world in Clipper 07-08 with the help of the Philip Green Memorial Trust, Dan is living proof of where a positive attitude can get you”.

Funding for Dan to take part in this historic race has come in the form of the Philip Green Memorial Trust who will fund all of Dan’s sailing costs. The Philip Green Memorial Trust is a charitable organisation which helps sick and disabled children all over the UK and overseas. It supports welfare, medical and educational projects as well as helping individual children to lead a normal life. Trust supporters JPMorgan Asset Management will also be providing Dan’s support costs for the duration of his round the world voyage.

“It is a pleasure to support Daniel through this race.  The Ellen MacArthur Trust is an amazing charity, I have seen first hand the difference it can make to the lives of children and Dan is a prime example of this. Everyone at JPMorgan Asset Management wishes him every success on his race”. Campbell Fleming, Head of UK Business JPMorgan Asset Management.

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