After 17 weeks of training at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy on Isle of Wight, 20-year-old Daniel Monk from Essex has passed his Professional Yachtmaster qualification.

Since joining The Ellen MacArthur Trust on many trips and races over the last three years, Monk has shown a great interest in sailing as a career, and the charity was delighted to support him in his endeavours to gain his Professional Yachtmaster qualification.

Monk first sailed with the Ellen MacArthur Trust in 2003 joining other young children who were suffering or in recovery from Cancer or Leukaemia on a four-day trip in the Solent. In 2005 Monk returned to join The Trust as crew in the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. A week before the race Monk was informed that his Cancer had returned, undeterred Monk took part in the race two days before starting treatment. A year later and in remission, Monk returned to join the young crew onboard Scarlet Oyster and completed the 55-mile course, finishing ahead of Trust patron Ellen MacArthur, with a final placing of 236th overall out of 1,603 boats.

Ellen MacArthur (EMT Patron) commented: “Dan is one of those special, and quite rare people who not only has the ability to hang onto a dream, but against all odds to carry it through. There is no question that Dan is someone who will give more than 100 per cent, he absolutely loves sailing! Go for it Dan, you are a true inspiration!”

For Monk, sailing had become a passion. In August 2006 Monk spoke about his experiences of Cancer in front of 385 people at The Ellen MacArthur Trust Ball at Skandia Cowes Week and made a decision to take on the challenging Professional Yachtmaster course. The course featured an intensive programme designed to provide all the skills and qualifications to start, or progress, a career working on sailing yachts.
Commenting on his Yachtmaster qualification Monk said: “It is fantastic news that I have passed and I can’t wait to get started on the trips this summer. It has been a long four months of training, but it will be worth it when I have the opportunity to give something back and skipper some of the trips, sharing my own experiences with the children that will join us.”

Monk will once again be sailing at this year’s JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race on the 23 June. He will be joining Team Ellen MacArthur Trust in the biggest undertaking at this event by the charity. The Trust aims to take on the Island by foot, bike and sail. Whilst their three boats will be joining the expected 1,500 boats on the water, 40 cyclists and 5 walkers will be all working together to raise awareness and money for The Trust as they take on their own route around the Isle of Wight.

A Justgiving page has been set up for those taking part, if you would like to support Monk or any of the volunteers and children on the day please log onto justgiving.com.