Ellia's Big Sail - in aid of The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital

Club Member Ellia Rhodes, age 16, is doing a 10 hour solo-sail challenge on Saturday 29th May 2021, in aid of The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (RMCH).

Ellia will be sailing her dinghy solo for 10 hours non-stop. "I'm very proud to be fundraising for RMCH. With my 10 hour sail challenge, I hope to raise as much money as possible for young people who attend and stay at RMCH. I have been training daily on my rowing machine and walking, to build the strength and stamina up that I am going to need for my endurance sail. Please share my JustGiving page."

Ellia has been treated at RMCH for many different things.One incident involved plastic and micro surgery; her fingers had been trapped in a heavy oak wooden door, nerves severed and her nails lost. The nails were not expected to grow back as the nail bed had been so badly damaged. Due to the amazing work of the nurses and surgeons at RMCH, not only do her fingers now work as normal, butshe also still hasher nails! "For my many incidents and A + E visits, I am grateful to the RMCH for their outstanding work, incredibly caring and friendly staff, what a fantastic hospital! My aim is to use this money to help young patients have as comfortable a stay as possible, often when undergoing gruelling treatments and are very very unwell young people."

This is a great challenge for Ellia as she also has a knee condition known as Patellofemoral Dysfunction meaning she can struggle to walk and is unable to run or do any strenuous activity that puts strain on the knees, She has chosen to do this sail challenge as sailing is one of the sports that does not aggravate her condition.

We look forward to your support, with refreshments and cakes available throughout this fun day!

Special thanks to Ellia's sponsors: RS Sailing for their generosity & support in providing her boat and kit.