The ‘4 Cancer Group’, the cancer respite charity with a sporting focus, today announced the formation of a new subsidiary focused on skiing and snowboarding. As its name suggests, Ski 4 Cancer will use the alpine environment as both a vehicle for fundraising and convalescence.

Graham Precey, Chair of Trustees at Ski 4 Cancer’s parent, the 4 Cancer Group, explained “For ten years now, the charity has been helping British families living with cancer by providing day trips and short breaks. We’ve sent nearly 2,000 people away on holiday during that time, mainly in the summer months. However, the reality of a cancer diagnosis means that a lot of the families we help can’t wait until the summer.”

Precey continued “Treatment schedules or worsening health often mean that we need to react very quickly. Given some of the cancer patients we help will be on their last family holiday, it’s important that we have a full range of quality respite products throughout the year. Our new ski charity concept will help to plug the gap in the winter months.”

“The focus for our winter respite programme will be more about what we call ‘alpine chill’ than skiing however. We’ll be working with a wide range of snow sports providers to provide relaxing and stress busting holidays in some of the most beautiful mountain resorts around the world. Whilst the focus will be mostly on winter based holidays, we will also be funding lakes and mountains style holidays in the summer as well”.

“The charity’s respite programmes give families living with cancer something to look forward to at the end of arduous treatment schedules. They also give families the chance to spend quality time together and provide precious memories. Such trips also help the recently bereaved come to terms with their loss and give them something to focus on in the months after a loved one has died.”

Precey concluded “Ski 4 Cancer will be run by a dedicated Committee of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With 40% of British people developing some form of cancer at some point in their lives*, we hope that other skiers and snowboarders touched by the disease will get involved.”

“The reality is that we can only move as quickly as funding allows though. Consequently, we’d like to hear from any individual or company who can help us meet our objectives. The message is simple really… if you ski or snowboard, think about doing it 4 Cancer.”