A teenager diagnosed with a serious illness two years ago has enjoyed four days sailing off the west coast of Scotland.
Airlia Appleby, 17, received chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma during lockdown.
Earlier this month, she joined the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in Largs and said the trip has made her happier and less anxious.
Read more: Reunion for classmates who met at school in County Durham more than 50 years ago
Airlia, from Cornsay, between Consett and Tow Law, said: “It’s been really amazing, really fun.
“Everyone’s been really supportive, everyone just understands to a certain level what it’s like having had cancer, because everyone’s been through it at some point."
She said: “It feels really calming when you’re helming the yacht. It’s exciting, it’s freeing.
“There’s no need to really worry about anything except what you’re doing in the present.”
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust inspires young people aged eight and 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.
Airlia said: “I feel happy and more confident, I don’t feel as nervous or as anxious around other people.
“We had a big game of Uno the first night, everyone got to know each other, and it meant we’ve all made friends, everyone’s been super nice and friendly.
“We had a waterfight between boats and a baking competition too, it’s been really fun.”
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was founded by the record-breaking round-the-world yachtswoman in 2003.
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 accepted, independent, and optimistic.
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.
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Dame Ellen MacArthur said: “We hear it a lot, that for many young people what happens after treatment can be as difficult as, if not even more so, than the treatment itself.
“Receiving funding from People’s Postcode Lottery has been a game changer in enabling us to reach and have a positive impact on the lives of many hundreds of these young people over the past decade.
“We know the impact the trust has on the mental wellbeing of young people living through and beyond cancer.
“Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, more and more will get the support they need to believe in a brighter future.”
It is there for anyone who is struggling or could simply do with a bit of support, however long off treatment they are.
To find out more about the trust click here or follow @emctrust on social media.
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