A 10-year-old cancer survivor says “it’s cool to be back” after getting a post-lockdown lift with a sailing treat.
Isaac Stevenson, of Neville's Cross, Durham, who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma when he was a baby, was given the five-day experience, which included scrambling and climbing, from the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
He was among 21 young people from across the UK who spent last week at Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre in the Lake District, as the trust gets back to bringing young people together, having been off the water in 2020.
Isaac first, who first sailed with the trust in 2019 said: “It was hard waiting for the trip, I was really looking forward to it the whole time.
“It’s finally here, and it’s been great doing even more than last time, like kayaking and scrambling.
“I had so much fun on the first trip, I made a lot of friends, and I’ve made a lot here too.”
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust inspires young people aged eight to 24 to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.
For many young people, picking up where they left off before their diagnosis is not possible. So, when treatment ends, the trust’s work begins.
The isolation, loneliness and anxiety experienced by young people with cancer has been amplified by Covid and lockdown, which is why they need the trust more than ever.
Through the trust’s sailing and outdoor activities, young people meet others who have had similar experiences - often for the first time, rediscover independence away from home, experience an increased sense of purpose and self-worth, and begin to realise what they are capable of again. Most importantly they stop feeling like the ‘only one’.
The young people are inspired to believe in a brighter future, as they feel valued, accepted, optimistic and independent. They can start to re-establish their place in the world by getting back into education or employment and reconnecting with their friends and families.
Isaac said: “Lockdown was pretty difficult and boring. You don’t see anyone, all you can do is call people and it isn’t enough really.
“We’ve done really cool things, had really good experiences, learned new things and made new friends. It was cool to be back.”
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was founded by the record-breaking round-the-world yachtswoman in 2003. It is there for anyone who is struggling or could do with support, however long off treatment they are. Visit ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org or follow @emctrust on social media.
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