Dow’s Marco victorious in Channel windsurf challenge

“An amazing crossing which was far tougher than I originally thought” – that was the reaction of European marketing director for STYROFOAM™ manufacturer Dow Building Solutions, Marco ten Bruggencate, as he reflected on his successful crossing of the English Channel by windsurf in mid-September. Marco embarked on the ambitious challenge to raise money for a charity called KiKa, which funds research into treating children’s cancer. He not only achieved the crossing unscathed, but managed to raise an impressive €8,500 at the same time. The trip was not without its challenges. To the surprise of locals Marco made his first attempt from Dungeness during storms which were whipping up waves to over four metres high, before sensibly deciding to try again another day. With weather forecasts predicting no change in conditions, it looked as though a frustrating wait was on the cards. But with a stroke of good fortune the sun burst through the clouds the very next day and Marco was on his way. People on the other side of the Channel also cause to raise their eyebrows when a tired but exhilarated Marco landed at Boulogne Sur Mer three and a half hours later. “I did a dance of joy when I finally arrived – the last few kilometres had been really tough and I had very sore arms and cramp, but it was worth it when I felt dry land,” said a relieved Marco. “The locals must have wondered what on earth was going on when this windsurfer appeared from nowhere and started whirling around on the beach!” Marco took on the brave challenge after being diagnosed with cancer himself back in 2000. It wasn’t until August 2011 that he was finally told he had beaten the disease. He decided to raise funds for KiKa after witnessing the devastating effects cancer can have, particularly on children and their families. “Treatments have certainly improved, but tragically one in four children diagnosed with cancer will still lose their fight,” he explained. “It’s also particularly important for children that therapies are developed that destroy only cancer cells and spare healthy ones, as chemotherapy can damage healthy cells surrounding a tumour and cause longer term heart and kidney problems, even for survivors.” KiKa funds innovative research that not only focuses on treating cancer but does it in a more ‘child-friendly’ way: the charity’s aim is to increase chances of recovery for children suffering from cancer from 75% to 95% by 2025. Take a look at the video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQnDYY5ifiE&feature=youtu.be to share in Marco’s experience. To find out more about KiKa and make a donation visit www.surf4kika.com.