Graham Bell To Become A Patron Of Ski 4 Cancer

June 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Graham Bell, the former five-time Olympic skier turned TV presenter, is to become a Patron of ski charity Ski 4 Cancer.  The face of the BBC's Ski Sunday, Graham has been actively involved in helping children recovering from cancer for some years, through his association with the Caring Cancer Trust, where he is also a Patron.

Both Ski 4 Cancer and the Caring Cancer Trust provide alpine respite holidays for British people living with cancer.  Whereas the Caring Cancer Trust’s Alpine Snowkids project focuses on restoring confidence in children who are recovering from cancer through active participation in skiing, Ski 4 Cancer’s mountain programme is mainly focused on the provision of alpine relaxation holidays for the wider family unit.  

Through the provision of complementary services, the Caring Cancer Trust and Ski 4 Cancer have worked on several projects already.  Ski 4 Cancer sponsored two children to attend the Caring Cancer Trust’s Alpine Snowkids trip in Morzine in March 2012 and more activities are planned for this summer.    

One of the children who attended this year’s Alpine Snowkids trip said “I had a great time in the mountains.  My confidence has grown so much and I’ve learnt you can do anything if you really believe in it.  Sharing stories about treatment with the other children made me realise that I’m not the only one who’s been through a horrible time with cancer.  I have made some friends for life on this trip too”.

Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Hayward, Trustee of Ski 4 Cancer said “We’re delighted to have the support of a British skiing legend.  Given Graham’s association with the Caring Cancer Trust, a charity whose work we see real value in, Graham was the obvious choice for us.  We are incredibly grateful for his support.”

Graham Bell added “I have had some wonderful times skiing with the kids helped by the Caring Cancer Trust, they all show such great spirit and willingness to learn.  Skiing and snowboarding are such great sports, because they help you to forget any worries and struggles at home.  The sheer beauty of the mountains, coupled with the challenge of learning new skills, have left the children I have worked with exhausted, but very satisfied and proud of their achievements”.

For more information, visit:

http://www.ski4cancer.org
http://www.graham-bell.com
http://www.caringcancertrust.com

About Graham Bell

Former five time Olympic skier turned TV presenter, adventurer and journalist, Graham Bell is the face of the BBC's Ski Sunday as well as a successful commentator and sporting pundit.

Until recently Graham held the prestigious title of International Performance Director for The Ski & Snowboard Federation and is the patron of The British Ski Academy. Graham was also a significant member of the board of SnowsportGB and the Olympic committee. As a member, Graham became very much involved with Team GB's coaching, helping to motivate the team for the challenges on the slopes ahead!

Experienced journalist Graham has written articles for The Daily Mail, Ski magazine and for his own column in the Financial Times called Pink Snow. As a seasoned presenter for top broadcasting networks, Graham's expertise is in high demand for after dinner speaking bookings, personal appearances and TV appearances as well as ambassador and sponsorship roles for major brands. He is internationally admired and respected as an ambassador promoting skiing and winter sports as well as encouraging young people into the sport.

Graham is regarded as one of the finest downhill skiers the UK has ever produced and now brings this passion and enthusiasm to our screens presenting and commentating on major sporting events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics from Vancouver.

About Ski 4 Cancer

Ski 4 Cancer provides alpine based respite days and holidays for British families affected by cancer and makes grants to UK based care institutions.  Ski 4 Cancer also funds research into the positive effects of sport and other forms of respite and how they can help prevent cancer and assist in recovery post diagnosis.

About Caring Cancer Trust

Caring Cancer Trust provides Adventure Healing Holidays for children recovering from cancer, enabling them to regain their self-confidence and re-ignite their passion for life after the trauma of their illness. The transformation in each child who takes part is significant and often spectacular, with incredible feedback from parents, medical professionals and the children themselves.  The Charity also provides in-patient support to children with cancer, and is currently funding work at Manchester University Hospital oncology research laboratories into causes, cure and prevention of Childhood Leukaemia.