Bessie Ellen – Supporting the INSPIRE Foundation

We’re proud to support the INSPIRE Foundation, a unique national charity that’s dedicated to raising money for research, practical solutions and ultimately to improve the quality of life for those with Spinal Cord Injury – some 40,000 people in the UK alone.

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Why have we chosen INSPIRE? Quite simply, it came about chatting away during a long night watch with our Bosun James Steevenson about what our assorted families were up to.  James is on board to gain experience and hands on training before continuing towards a career in the sailing industry and is doing superbly well in all fields. We’ll be sad to say goodbye to him in June when he continues on with his maritime training.

James’  father, Rory  was selected as Executive Director of the INSPIRE Foundation in September 2012. He is Secretary to the Trustees, responsible for all fund raising and coordinates all research projects with the National Scientific Committee in the major teaching hospitals and medical schools throughout UK.  On leaving the Army he fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition rebuilding his 27 foot yacht now moored in Keyhaven near Lymington and furthered his interest in voluntary charity work. Rory has two student sons Bill (23) and James (22) and his main interests are cooking, DIY, sailing, skiing and country pursuits. He is a member of the RNLI and a Trustee of the Royal Hampshire Regiment.

One of the charity’s main fundraising events takes place at the Royal Navy vs. Army Polo Tournament held at Tedworth Park, near Andover, every summer. A packed day of celebrity polo matches, a two-furlong dash, a wheelchair relay and a three course lunch, it culminates in a fundraising auction, in which we’re pleased to offer the ‘Bessie Ellen Experience’ to the highest bidder –  a week’s sailing on board Bessie Ellen, or a bespoke corporate day for 12 passengers to fit in with the ship’s itinerary.

INSPIRE-foundation

Anne Luttman-Johnson, INSPIRE Patron and a keen paraplegic sailor, pictured below, thanked Bessie and the crew:

This is one of the most generous gifted auction lots ever and the Patrons and Trustees are simply delighted that Nikki Alford and her crew are able to contribute so much to the INSPIRE Foundation with this wonderfully opportunity on board Bessie Ellen. Thank you so much’

INSPIRE-foundation

If you’d like to find out more about the charity, or donate to this amazing cause, visit www.inspire-foundation.org.uk