On Wednesday, Members of Parliament and the House of Lords took to the Thames in a charity boat race for Sail 4 Cancer and Westminster Boating Base.
Many Rochester and Strood residents will know that I am passionate for the water and sailing, so it was both a pleasure and an honour to help represent the House of Commons in this event to help raise money for two amazing causes. To cap off the day, the Commons’ team, led by Mark Garnier MP, won against the Lords on a rather windless day.
Sail 4 Cancer is an inspiring organisation that provides sailing and other water-based respite opportunities for cancer patients/their families and those who have suffered recent bereavement in the hope that their quality of life may be improved. In achieving this Sail 4 Cancer raises significant funds for cancer treatment, care and research through the organisation of high profile sailing events.
Westminster Boating Base aims to provide experiences and opportunities for young people which aid personal and social development through participation in water sports so they may fully develop as individuals.
The boat race also coincided with the RLNI’s third year of its national drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, which aims to halve accidental coastal deaths by 2024. The campaign is targeted at adult men, who account for most incidents.
Last year saw an increase in the number of men losing their lives at the coast. Between 2011 and 2014 men have accounted for three-quarters (75%) of coastal deaths but, in 2015, this increased to 84%.
I was therefore delighted to join Common’s colleagues and RNLI representatives after the race to show our support for their very worthy campaign.
The day’s events offered a fantastic opportunity to bring members together from both Houses in support of one of our greatest leisure activities that can bring so much joy and quality of life to children who have become ill or are unable to access such pursuits.
Our nations rivers and coastal areas provide incredible experiences for all and I will continue to encourage using it for leisure purposes while expanding people’s knowledge of water safety.