P&O Cruises sets sail on partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support

Feb 14, 2013 1:00 PM ET

February 14, 2013 /3BL Media/ - P&O Cruises has formed a year-long fundraising partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support across its fleet of seven ships, playing host to a number of exciting activities and challenge events.

Officers and crew on board will be taking part in fundraising fitness challenges throughout the year, including running and rowing the equivalent number of nautical miles covered by the ships across the oceans.

A gala ball will be held in which there will be an auction “for things money can’t buy” including dinner and private masterclasses with celebrity chefs Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochhar and personal wine tasting tuition from TV wine expert Olly Smith. There will also be unique keepsakes such as polished engine parts and signed navigation charts. In addition to selling Macmillan pins and badges on board, there will be weekly coffee and cupcake mornings on each ship.

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said: “Macmillan is an incredible charity which offers emotional, medical, practical and financial support to those affected by cancer.  P&O Cruises is determined to help raise as much money as possible in 2013 to help them to do this.  Passengers on board our ships will be able to join in with a range of fundraising activities and I am sure they will support our efforts for this immensely worthy cause and enjoy themselves at the same time.”

Lynda Thomas, Director of Fundraising at Macmillan Cancer Support adds: ‘‘It is Macmillan’s aim to reach and improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. But we cannot do this on our own and we believe everyone can help. This is why we are delighted to be working with P&O Cruises to raise valuable funds and awareness of our work helping to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.’’

The partnership was launched at P&O Cruises Southampton headquarters with Macmillan supporter and master pâtissier Eric Lanlard joining hundreds of office staff, all wearing Macmillan t-shirts. Eric baked Macmillan green cupcakes to celebrate this occasion.