WESTBURY woman, Hannah Stone, recently took part in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, along with other young people in recovery from cancer.
Hannah joined the crew of one of four yachts, to sail around the Solent on the south coast from 20th June, on a four-day yachting adventure.
For Hannah, who finished cancer treatment in April 2015 for post-transplant lymphoproflic disease at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, this was her first time sailing with the Trust.
Hannah said, “This was my first time sailing and I was quite nervous. However it’s been really good meeting everybody; they’ve all been really friendly.”
Sailing onboard 42-48 foot cruising yachts, the Trust trips provide a chance for the young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment, encouraging them to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking.
Hannah continued, “I’ve loved the opportunity to try something new. I would never have thought that I would have enjoyed the trip, but I have, so I’m definitely going to come back next year and continue to learn to sail!”
Departing from their south-coast base in East Cowes Marina, Isle of Wight on Monday, the trip navigated the waters of the Solent, which took them to various stopovers including Yarmouth Harbour and the picturesque bay of Newtown Creek for a barbecue. They then put their new skills to the test and cruised back into Cowes.
Launched in 2003, the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing.
Dame Ellen, who tries to spend a day on as many trips as possible, adds, “The mental and social fall-out from cancer can be just as devastating as the physical illness. Everything we do is about building confidence, self-esteem and having fun together.”
In its 12th year, the Trust has grown beyond every expectation into a national charity. Working with every young person from principal treatment centres and a growing number of designated units in the UK, the Trust takes young people aged between 8-24 who are recovering from cancer on four-day sailing trips.
Find out how you can support the Trust and help to make a real difference to young people’s live by visiting: www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org
