Isle of Wight's Ellen MacArthur in Round the Island Race

Taking the helm of flagship boat for her charity, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Solent Hero, the internationally renowned sailor, accompanied by four boats crewed by up to 24 young people who have undergone cancer treatment.

READ MORE: Isle of Wight crowds will be out for Round the Island Race

This year's Round the Island Race will be next Saturday, July 1. 

Find out how you can support the Ellen MacArthur Trust

Check out the trust's JustGiving page for the Round the Island Race #200for20 challenge.

It is there for anyone looking for support, no matter how long off treatment they are? Visit https://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust — the official charity partner of the Round the Island Race — is a national charity that takes young people aged between eight and 24 years on sailing and outdoor adventures, to inspire them to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.

On the day of the Round the Island Race, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is launching its #200for20 birthday challenge — encouraging entrants to raise £200 for the charity's 20th birthday.

Dame Ellen MacArthur will be sailing in her charity's own yacht during the Round the Island Race on July 1. (Image: Ellen MacArthur Trust)

Funds raised will go towards supporting up to 750 young people this summer.

It's not the first time Ellen, who founded the East Cowes-based charity in 2003, has taken part in the Round the Island Race. 

Her first experience was in 1997 on a Mini Transat boat — and she has raced the event many times since.

She once took line honours sailing in an Extreme 40 race boat.

Over the past 20 years, the trust, the Round the Island Race's official charity partner since 2005, has helped around 2,900 young people and more than £300,000 has been raised, providing hundreds of young people with post-treatment support.