Hugh Takes The Helm

Tuesday, 16th February 2010

Hugh Francis (1964-76), OQ and member of Queen’s Lodge, took part in the London Marathon last year, raising £4,000 for the Rona Sailing Project to which he has given a week of his annual leave each year for the past 35 years.

The aim of the Rona Sailing Project is to provide (through the medium of sea training in offshore craft) opportunities for disadvantaged and disabled young people to acquire those attributes of a seaman - a sense of responsibility, resourcefulness and team-work - which will help them throughout their lives. The trust will shortly be celebrating it’s 50th year, during which time it has taken over 30,000 young people to sea and given them the experience of a lifetime, greater self-confidence and a new perspective on the world.

Of his week’s sailing Hugh says, “we took ten, 14–15 year olds sailing on a 60 foot ketch, the smallest of our three boats. For one girl it was the first holiday she had ever had. For another, a self imposed mute until a couple of years ago, it was the first time she had been heard to laugh. One boy was on “respite care” after looking after his three step brothers and sisters and doing three paper rounds before going to school. A fourth girl, who was mentally challenged, was able to tie a fender off by herself by the end of the week. Perhaps small things to you and me but to the youngsters a real triumph”

For further information on the Rona Sailing Project go to their website at www.ronasailingproject.org

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