Brave Emma to name Eclipse

Yachtswoman Emma Pontin (left) has sailed round the world and raced across the Atlantic 15 times in boats at the mercy of the wind and waves, but her next challenge is on board a rather larger vessel.
In recognition of her brave fight against breast cancer, Emma has been chosen as godmother for Celebrity Eclipse, the 2,850-passenger cruise ship to be named in Southampton on April 24.
Sister ship Celebrity Equinox was named last year by Daily Mirror Pride of Britain award-winner Nina Barough, who founded the Walk the Walk cancer charity foundation, and a Celebrity SunWalk will be held in Southampton to coincide with the naming of Eclipse.
Emma, 40, from the yachtie haven of Hamble, refused to allow gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy to interfere with her passion for sailing, and chronicled her battle against the disease, which has involved a double mastectomy, in the book Beating the Blowfish.
She is currently planning a 30,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe with 42 selected members of the public who have all been affected by breast cancer.
“I am hugely honoured and believe that serving as the Godmother to this wonderful ship is truly one of the greatest compliments to be bestowed on me,” said Emma. “I look forward enormously to taking up my duties in presiding over and naming this ship during what is one of the most important dates in a ship’s life.
“It is extremely flattering to be recognised for what came naturally to me when fighting breast cancer and I hope that through this association with Celebrity Cruises, I will continue to inspire and encourage many others. I feel very blessed and privileged to be able to name Celebrity Eclipse in one of the UK’s sailing capitals.”
“Emma is an outstanding individual with an incredible zest for life, and is an inspiration to women from all walks of life,” said Celebrity’s chairman, Richard D. Fain. “Her determination to make every day count, her courage, and her positive attitude amidst challenging sailings, even during times of adversity, is tremendously empowering for other women and their families who are, or have similarly faced this disease”.
Celebrity’s president, Dan Hanrahan added: “We are honoured to have such a strong and energetic role model serve as Godmother of Celebrity Eclipse; someone whose candid and open approach has helped so many others understand the day-to-day battle against breast cancer. Her personal triumph over the disease and her continued commitment to raise awareness through sailing is an inspiration and encouragement to thousands of women and their families in the UK.”