Grace is back on dry land after trust trip

Since leaving the west coast on May 20, 125 young people in recovery from cancer have been involved in this national relay and seen the support the Trust can offer following their treatment for cancer.

Launched by the yachtswoman in 2003, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a national charity that rebuild confidence after cancer, using sailing to support, empower and inspire young people aged 8-24 in embracing their future with optimism.

The trust decided to embark on this ambitious national project as a celebration of recovery, achievement and potential of past, present and future young people the trust support.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is unique in that it offers the young people long term support for as long as they need it with many then choosing to return as volunteers.

Newton Mearns’ Grace Cameron (22) is part of the crew bringing the boat home to Largs, having taken part in Leg 3 from Oban to Inverness in June.

Grace enjoyed her first trust trip last year after treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

She said: “Seeing dolphins swim alongside the boat when we were going through the Moray Firth was amazing.

“I also got to helm, which was really cool, and got the hang of how much to steer. It was really nice to meet new people and chat about their experiences. The more people you meet the better your experiences are.”

Amongst the many Round Britain highlights are the crews navigating across the Caledonian Canal, sailing through Tower Bridge on the Thames, enjoying the buzz of Cowes Week and being in the thick of the thrilling Cardiff Extreme Sailing Series action.

In addition, during the voyage stopovers the crews have visited 13 hospitals around the country, to meet other young people still undergoing treatment to inspire them in seeing what is possible after cancer.

Up to five different young people joined the Round Britain crew for each leg, while three of the full-time crew have also been through treatment and benefited from trust support.

Through the campaign #tell9people, and by sharing the stories of the young people taking part, Round Britain 2017 aims to raise awareness of the trust’s work both publicly and within the hospitals and medical support networks around the country.

To find more about the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s campaign, visit www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org.