At the end of May, I shall be windsurfing or stand-up-paddleboarding (depending on the conditions) from the Official Test Centre (OTC) to Overcombe and then cycling back.
The reason I am doing this is raise money for the Will Mackaness Trust; a trust that has changed my life!
The Trust was set up in 2008 after Will (Head Boy at Wey Valley School) unfortunately passed away due an aggressive brain tumour. His mother, Pam Govier set up the trust to give other children the chance to experience the thrill that got Will buzzed: watersports, and windsurfing in particular.
In 2010 the opportunity was given to me at Wey Valley School to do a windsurfing course with the OTC. The windsurf course was subsidised by the Trust to make it more accessible for children to do. I jumped at the chance to give it a go and I haven’t looked back since!
I’ve carried on pursuing my love and passion for windsurfing and am now a windsurf instructor and work at the Official Test Centre.
Since I started windsurfing three years ago, I have met an incredible group of people and friends; travelled the country attending events, competed in National competitions, and have also gained a place as a team rider for Puravida, to whom I am grateful for all their support.
All of this stemmed from the opportunity Pam and the Trust gave to me.
This summer I will be off to a windsurfing Mecca (Vassiliki in Greece), where I shall be working as a windsurf instructor at Club Vass.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Pam for the life-changing opportunity she and the Trust gave me three years ago and for her continued support. I wouldn’t be where I am now without her – I am so grateful. To show my gratitude, I’d love to support the Trust and help encourage others to take up sports like windsurfing and share my passion.
When I go to Greece, I’ll be taking a bit of the Trust with me by having the Will Mackaness logo on my sails. I will be so proud to represent and ride with Will!
If you would like to sponsor my crossing from the harbour to Overcombe beach, you can do so here!
www.virginmoneygiving.com/MaisieSquibb Thank you!
