About Us
Background and introduction to our services...
Sail 4 Cancer is a specialist respite charity that was set up by a group of keen sailors who had all lost a close relative or friend to cancer.
Background
The charity’s founders discovered what they collectively call “the power of the holiday”. Day trips away or longer holidays gave each family something to look forward to after the family member with cancer had an operation or a course of treatment. They also provided precious memories if the person later went on to die.
“We believe in the power of the holiday.”
Such periods of respite, proved to be of huge value for all concerned. The ‘4 Cancer’ concept hatched from these basic principles. In 2001, the charity’s founders decided to set up a charity in the hope that other families would benefit in the same way.
Respite
Today, the 4 Cancer Group organises days out and short breaks for families affected by cancer. This is what we call “respite”.
Since 2001, we have been slowly evolving the range of day trips and short breaks that we offer. As of 1 January 2019, we have sent over 5,500 people away on a respite break and provided over 24,000 respite days!
Our respite trips have been creating memories for families affected by cancer since 2002. From sailing days to short breaks at UK holiday parks, we give families something to look forward to during the most difficult of times.
We believe that ‘time’ is our most precious commodity. Time spent with the people we love, away from the stresses of everyday life at home, can make all the difference. We bring families together in wonderful locations and enable them to create memories which last a lifetime
Spending time on the water has many health benefits and is proven to lower stress levels, a major factor in recovery. Learning to sail can boost confidence at a time when families are feeling chance to rebuild relationships, create positive memories and have some quality fun time together.and build. We passionately believe in the therapeutic powers of the marine environment.
The 4 Cancer Group
As its name suggests, the Group is made up of a number of subsidiaries, mostly focused on a sport or activity. Not only do these sporting subsidiaries encourage people to keep fit and healthy, they provide the funds which make it possible to help up to 1,000 people in the UK every year. So if you are planning to sail, ski, run, trek or cycle in the coming year, why not do it 4 Cancer!
Latest News
Sail 4 Cancer Named Charity Of The Month By Yachting Monthly
We are delighted to share some wonderful news from the sailing community. Sail 4 Cancer has been featured as Yachting Monthly’s 'Charity Of The Month' in its September 2026 edition.…...
“Tea on The Quay” Returns At Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club
Long-time Sail 4 Cancer supporters at the fabulous Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club (also known as the ESSC) will be holding a fundraising event on the 24 May 2026 to raise…...
One Hundred Years Of Respite From Cancer
In early 2002, Sail 4 Cancer chartered a tall ship and challenged 50 people to climb the ship’s two 150 foot (45m) masts. Aside from raising a large sum of…...