The charity Windsurfing4CancerResearch (‘W4CR’) participated in the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace on March 5/6. Thanks to RYA and sponsor support, W4CR were able to mount a display and meet organisers and enthusiasts from many sailing centres across the UK.
On Saturday, a new trophy in memory of W4CR’s founder and inspiration, David Tuttlebee was unveiled (left). David, who sadly lost his battle with cancer last September, actively supported young windsurfers, and with the RYA’s help, many T15 (under 15) windsurfing clubs will join W4CR’s Sunrise Sunset event on May 1st. The trophy will be awarded annually to the T15 venue with the best fun and fundraising event.
On Sunday Nick Dempsey, Olympic bronze medallist and W4CR ambassador joined the launch of W4CR’s Sunrise Sunset 2011 event (May 1), which is the lead event for the RYA’s National Windsurfing Week (May 1-8). Sunrise Sunset will be held at 50+ windsurfing venues round the UK, where windsurfers participate in the sport they love while raising money for W4CR to distribute to worthy cancer-related causes.
W4CR Trustee Brian Roake and Nick Dempsey (right with Kate Atkins, W4CR volunteer) spoke about the Sunrise Sunset event on Sunday May 1st. Brian highlighted that the event is, as David Tuttlebee expressed, “more than just a day at the beach”. With the involvement of the young T15’ers, W4CR hope to have 1000 windsurfers on the water at midday. Nick spoke of his support for the W4CR charity, and will participate personally on May 1st.
From the 2009 and 2010 Sunrise Sunset events, W4CR raised over £80,000 and for 2011, hope to exceed this amount so that beneficiaries such as Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Care can receive more funding for the great work they do.
W4CR Trustees were especially pleased when leading windsurfing equipment supplier, Neil Pryde was able to join them in person. Neil has very kindly donated a full ‘RS One’ board and rig package to W4CR which later this year, a lucky windsurfer will be able to win (details will be given on www.W4CR.org). At the show, Neil presented W4CR a copy of the splendid book ‘Will to Win’ on the history of his company’s contribution to windsurfing (left).
During the show, W4CR Trustees met many visitors from RYA Sailing Centres, whose incredible support for Sunrise Sunset 2011 should increase the venue total to around twice 2010’s 26. The RYA’s support is undoubtedly spreading the word about W4CR and helping the charity make even greater contributions to the cancer research, education and support objectives as set up by David Tuttlebee in 2009.
W4CR’s website www.W4CR.org gives more information on W4CR and the Sunrise Sunset 2011 event, as well as links to cancer research, awareness and support information.
