Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust ambassador takes on the race of her life

Lucie Carrington, 25 from Lancaster has been selected as an Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust ambassador who will compete in the final leg of the Clipper 2013-14 Race. 

Lucie who is being sponsored by Coast Graphics, the Official Yacht Graphic Supplier of the Clipper Race, will face a challenging three weeks at sea battling the elements while clocking up 3,750 miles.

At just 15 Lucie was diagnosed with a Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone and soft tissue cancer in her left arm. Having first been invited to join the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust after finishing treatment in 2011, Lucie took part in a four-day sailing trip and now volunteers for the charity.

“In 2004 I was diagnosed with cancer, I didn't think that 10 years on I would be sailing across the Atlantic Ocean; and what makes this adventure even more special is that I’m getting to represent the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The trust gave me a boost when I needed it most, and I am hoping I can raise a lot of money and awareness during my trip!” Lucie said.

With the trips inspiring a love for sailing, Lucie decided to take on a bigger challenge and put herself forward for the Clipper Race selection process last December, beating stiff competition to win the chance to take part in this unique biennial event.

Announced as official charity of the Clipper Round the World Race 20013-14 back in October last year, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a charity that aims to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. Working with every young person’s primary cancer care unit in the UK, taking young people aged between 8 and-24 sailing, who are in recovery from cancer.

Malcolm Dunderdale Managing Director of Coast Graphics, said, “My mother was a victim of cancer and so the chance to sponsor Lucie seemed a way tying everything together, our business, the memory of my mother and the strength of all cancer sufferers.

“Lucie is an amazing young woman, her enthusiasm for the Clipper Race is infectious and her bravery in facing this latest challenge in her life is humbling."

Starting off from the city that never sleeps, New York, Lucie will take on the power of the Atlantic Ocean to Northern Ireland, racing across to the Netherlands’s before returning to where it all began 40,000 miles ago in spectacular style - London, St Katharine Docks.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman and Founder of the Clipper Race said: “The Clipper Race gives many people from all walks of life the chance to achieve something remarkable and I am delighted that Lucie will be taking part in this year's race.”