Dame Ellen sails in to meet patients

Dame Ellen MacArthur visited patients at the Sick Kids hospital when she was in the Capital.

The yachtswoman met cancer patients Laura Gibson, 15, left, and Zoe Nicholl, 18, when she dropped into the hospital on Friday ahead of a fundraising dinner.

Ms MacArthur was keynote speaker at the dinner, held at the Balmoral Hotel as part of the CREW fundraiser for the hospital. The CREW event also included a sponsored cycle ride, a 10k run and a walk.

Money raised will go towards the Sick Kids Friends Foundation to help the charity achieve its aim of extending internet access in the hospital to provide a laptop on every ward for use by bedridden children. The money will also help buy two 3D distraction screen systems, which provide films and games for youngsters as they undergo treatment.