Merricks Trust

The John Merricks Sailing Trust is best known for the Tiger Trophy but there is more to the charity than that

Without financial support from other people, 1996 Olympic 470 Silver Medallist, John Merricks would never have been able to fulfil his ambitions and demonstrate his remarkable talent for sailing. Set up by those closest to John following his untimely death, The John Merricks Sailing Trust seeks to help other young sailors achieve their goals.

Since 1997 the John Merricks Sailing Trust, a registered charity, has supported youth sailing by awarding over 210 grants. Totalling over £335,000 these awards have been made to deserving individuals, clubs and youth organisations that have demonstrated their commitmentto sailing and financial need.

The John Merricks Sailing Trust is proud to be supporting youth sailing in the United Kingdom.

CHANGING LIVES

A JMST grant helped Matt Tozer to change his life through the sport of sailing. “Sailing gives me a sense of freedom and power. Being outdoors and in open space has helped my wellbeing immeasurably and changed my mindset,” says.

At the age of six Tozer was diagnosed with a brain tumour. At 11 he was found to have a rare form of brain cancer. Intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed complete with the crippling side effects and fatigue that come from such treatments. Matt missed five years of school. He felt cocooned.

But at 13 Matt had the chance to go sailing with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, the charity founded to support young people in recovery from cancer rediscover their confidence. Matt declared, “The week was really exciting and enjoyable. I was hooked! There is such a sense of freedom when you are sailing. It is absolutely liberating and a world away from hospital drips and treatment! I was inspired!”