The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust supports young people aged 8-24 in rebuilding their confidence after cancer through sailing and UK-wide adventure activities. Scott Wilson, Communications Officer at the Trust, explains the positive impact these trips have on wellbeing.
For many young people, simply picking up where they left off before their cancer diagnosis just isn’t possible. So, when treatment ends, the Trust’s work begins. The Trust inspires young people to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer. Through free sailing and outdoor adventure activities, they meet others who have had similar experiences, rediscover independence away from home, and begin to realise what they’re capable of again.
While they have lots of fun aboard the yachts - learning how to raise the sails, navigate, and be part of a crew at sea - sailing is just the vehicle. Everyone has stories to tell, mucks in, and does normal things, like cooking together. It’s a new adventure, involving lots of things many young people haven’t done since their diagnosis – or ever! The feelings of acceptance, independence and optimism young people gain through the Trust helps them re-establish their place in the world. A change in perspective on their illness and life helps many return to education or employment and reconnect with their friends and families.
Emily's story
For Emily, every trip she goes on is like getting closer to a lighthouse, having been in the dark, lost at sea, after her treatment for Langerhans cell histiocytosis. She explains: “When you see a ship coming to shore and it’s the middle of the night, you think, ‘Is it going to make it?’. Coming on a Trust trip every summer, it’s the lighthouse that keeps me going. After each one, the light gets stronger.”
Five years on from her first trip as a 15-year-old, and having most recently sailed with the Trust in 2021, she said each time she goes sailing it perks up her level of happiness. “It gives you a sense of hope, like the years are going to get better and better. So many young people struggle with the feeling of loneliness, especially after treatment and in remission. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone, that’s the beauty of the trips. It would be an understatement to say they’ve only impacted my friendships or work, because they really do make a difference to every single aspect of your life.”
Bhavan's story
For Bhavan, a four-day sailing adventure was a new beginning and a chance to put the anxiety of cancer behind him. He hated talking about his experience of being ill with follicular lymphoma, while the thought of doing anything new would amplify his worries.
Before his first trip, aged 14, he “cried for a good two or three days before”, but was soon glad he didn’t back out. He said: “Going through that nervousness and apprehension is worth it. You feel better because you overcame it, and the trip opens your eyes to new things. They’re like a life lesson. You do things you don’t think you’d be able to do, and even if it’s something minor like using the winch handle, you have done something new and feel like you can accomplish anything. You overcome your cancer and your treatment.”
Any young person who’s had cancer from across the UK can benefit from Trust support, if they were diagnosed before turning 25 and are eight by their first trip. There’s no cut-off to when a young person can apply - even if they had cancer as a baby, they could still experience late effects.
To find out more or to sign up visit ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org or follow @emctrust.
From Contact magazine issue 95 - Summer 2022
