Feature
Rebuilding lives through sailing
It was fourteen years ago that the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust untied the ropes and set sail from Cowes for the inaugural trip for the charity .
On board were five young people in recovery from cancer looking to rebuild their lives after treatment . Fast forward to 2018 and the Trust will welcome over 600 young people on various trips on the Solent from the team ’ s base in East Cowes , as well as from the recently formed Largs office in Scotland . The four-day sailing trips are a unique and life changing experience for the young people that join them , but they are about much more than just sailing . “ Sailing is just a vehicle ”, says Trust founding Patron Dame Ellen
MacArthur . “ It ’ s about regaining your life . The joy of the trips is overwhelming , there are always transformations .” The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust takes young people between the ages of 8-24 on sailing trips to help them rebuild their confidence after cancer treatment and re-engage with education , employment and society . The young people that join them have spent long periods in hospital and can be suffering from low selfesteem and a loss of confidence as well as missing out on large parts of their childhood . The young people are initially invited to take part in a four-day sailing trip on yachts in the Solent on the South Coast of England or on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland , which are run throughout the summer holidays . They are all about having fun ; and regaining a sense of independence . Crewing on-board a 45 foot boat with other young people in the same situation allows them to feel normal again , for once they aren ’ t the only kid in the room with cancer , it is a perfect blend of
www . visitilife . com 43