Why have Premier Sailing decided to run holidays to raise funds for charity?

The Story

On Saturday evening 9th November 2013 James, our son, went to hospital with stomachache. Later the surgeon would comment that he was surprised that James had managed to 'walk' into A&E. James underwent lengthy, emergency surgery and woke up to the unexpected diagnosis of bowel cancer with secondary tumours on his liver.

Since that day, James underwent several major surgeries and chemotherapy treatment programmes. He then had chemo to shrink cancer cells present in his stomach. During times of treatment, as well as remission, Macmillan Cancer Support was there for him providing support in so many aspects of his life, making this cancer journey that little bit easier ... and that little has made a lot of difference. James commented, "The support they provide is vital to so many, and if we can raise enough for them to help just one person, to pay one gas bill, or buy one winter coat then, trust me, it will make all the difference". In the Summer of 2015 James was well enough to raise over £3000 for Macmillan by cycling 1300 miles across Europe.

Now, as his family, we have an opportunity not only to thank Macmillan, but to help them to support others who suddenly find themselves confronting cancer and the difficulties it can bring. Sadly, James was too unwell to join the trip in 2022 but did join in the homecoming festivities in June 22. James passed away peacefully in the East Cheshire Hospice on the 8th August 2022.

So what now? James is an inspiration to us and all those that knew him. So too was Ella Dawson, who’s legacy is the Ella Dawson Foundation and in 2024 we ran a round Britain trip on their behalf. The one vessel raised over £9600 for Ella’s charity. We have also run a round Britain trip for Farleigh Hospice which is on target to raise £10000+ this trip.

Well the answer is that we should not stop these activities and, as charities struggle with finance, we should open the opportunity to many more organisations. Therefore we have decided that Premier Sailing will change and in 2025 will no longer provide RYA training. Instead, we will concentrate on our charity trips – holidays with a purpose.

We currently use three matched Sigma 38’s that will sail round Britain twice in 2025. Each trip has seven one week legs. Customers can take part in one leg or as many as they wish including the whole seven weeks. Our fee for the trip covers costs only - Premier Sailing Holidays do not take profit from these trips.

Customers pay to take part in the trip and can fundraise to pay the cost if they wish. We ask that each participant helps by fundraising £500 (per leg) for the the charity. The first trip will depart on 5th May and the second on the 14th July 2025.