Training crew for a competitive racing event such as Cowes Week is never easy - but even more so when many have not sailed before and almost everyone on board has a life-changing injury.
But this is what Stuart Childerley faces as the helm of the Stride Forward entry in a Sun fast 3200 at Cowes this year, with the added pressure that he is only just getting back on the water having been seriously injured in a road bike accident in 2021.
Stride Forward is a national charity that offers mentoring programmes and support for people who have suffered serious physical trauma leading to disability. This year, the charity is entering Cowes Week to raise awareness of its mission, which is to 'give the gift of the ordinary' to those who have undergone life-changing injuries.
Stride Forward's founder, Holly King, who will also be on board for some of the races, says the support the charity has received from the marine industry has been outstanding.
As well as taking part in the racing at Cowes Week, Stride Forward is holding a launch party at the Royal Ocean Racing Club and a drinks reception at the Royal Yacht Squadron. The charity relies on donations to find, train and support the team of volunteer mentors to support those living with life-changing injuries. Holly explains: "In the early days [after injury], there's a clear roadmap of medical care, rehabilitation and legal support. But what happens when that structured support ends? People are then left facing emotional and practical challenges of life after serious injury with little or no help. This is where Stride Forward steps in."
Stride Forward's mission - Giving the Gift of the Ordinary - supports mentees to reclaim their confidence, independence, and purpose in a way that feels accessible, empowering, and real. Through a structured 1:1 mentoring programme, alongside specialist career advice and financial literacy sessions, Stride Forward offers a compassionate bridge between the clinical world and everyday life.
By entering Cowes Week Holly is keen for people to see Stride Forward in action and, in addition to financial support, to find people who can become a volunteer mentor. She explains, "We're working with a wide range of individuals who need support to navigate returning to work, or using their transferrable skills in new roles, leaning into new hobbies or interests, and helping with vocational support and financial training. Our mentees currently range from a sheep farmer to a wedding planner, a building maintenance manager, a computer programmer and even an executive in international finance company. It really doesn't matter what their backgrounds or interests are, we are here to enable and support them to achieve a joyful and fulfilled life."
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