Cruise lines back charity spearheaded by travel agent
Uniworld River Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas are among a group of cruise lines to support a new cancer charity, Embers, launched by The Travel Academy’s Clare Sacco
Embers will host its first fundraising event, featuring a luxury auction, raffle and entertainment, on 10 September at The Village Hotel in Elstree.
The charity will provide support and resources for young people between the ages of 18 and 40 who are facing an incurable prognosis with the disease, with Hays Travel, Uniworld River Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara Cruises, Explora Journeys and Silversea Cruises all agreeing to lend their support.
Sacco, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 before being diagnosed with treatable but incurable stage four cancer last year, set up the charity having identified a gap in both the support, resources and networks available to young adults in her age group.
She aims to raise £10,000 when the fundraising event takes place next month.
Sacco “overwhelmed by support from across the travel industry”
Founder of Embers and marketing manager at The Travel Academy, Sacco, said: “Whilst many incredible charities exist to help children and teens, as well as older people diagnosed with cancer, I found there was very little to support young adults facing an incurable or terminal prognosis.
“Embers was born to provide the help that I was searching for in one place, to help remove additional pressure at what is already an incredibly distressing time.
“I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from colleagues and businesses across the travel industry and cannot thank them enough for their kindness.
“This event could not happen without the donations I have received from cruise lines, hotels and travel agencies, as well as the constant encouragement and backing from Jane and Stuart Goldsmith, and Jane Morgan at The Travel Academy who have worked tirelessly, and supported me at every step to turn this event into a reality.”
Chris Townson, managing director for Uniworld UK, added: “We’re delighted to support the first Embers fundraising event, to help young people with incurable or terminal cancer.
“Despite her incredibly difficult diagnosis, Clare has identified such an important need for young people facing similar circumstances, and the funds raised both via this event and the charity in the future will go a long way to providing the type of support that she lacked, at arguably the most challenging time that anyone will ever face.
Chris continued, “We hope that other businesses will also come forward to support this significant event that will benefit young people with incurable cancer not only within travel, but right across industries. Bravo to Clare and The Travel Academy for their dedication to getting this off the ground.”
Prizes up for grabs at the event’s luxury auction include a seven-night cruise with flights from Uniworld River Cruises, a luxury cruise from Azamara Cruises to a selection of worldwide destinations, a £500 voucher from Hays Travel and a three-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife.
