Embracing The Future

According to Cancer Research, every year in the UK around 1,900 children under 14 and 2,600 young people aged 15-24 are diagnosed with cancer.

Thankfully, survival rates are increasing. But young people remain vulnerable after treatment as it comes at a time of rapid physical, emotional and social development. Cancer recovery is as much about what happens after treatment as during.

That's why when treatment ends, the work of Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust begins, as for many young people simply picking up where they left off before their diagnosis just isn't possible.

Empowering Young People

Through sailing and other UK-wide adventure activities, the Trust supports, inspires and empowers young people to embrace their future with optimism after treatment for cancer.

Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust trips allow young people to build confidence by making friends with others who have had similar experiences - often for the first time - rediscovering independence away from home and learning new skills. Most importantly, they stop feeling like the 'only one'.

After being diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis just before her 15th birthday, Emily missed a year of school. She says post-treatment can be "the hardest, most depressing part" of cancer.

Emily added, "After treatment many of us feel like we've been dropped and find it extremely hard to get back to where we were and feel accepted by society again, thankfully the Trust helps pick us up after this dramatic drop."

The Trust supports young people like Emily long-term through the emotionally draining process of recovery. They have the opportunity to come back for trips year-on-year, with the possibility to volunteer, and inspire other young people like them, once they turn 18.

The lives of hundreds of young people in their recovery from cancer have been directly impacted thanks to the incredible support from our players.

Support enables the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust to double the number of young people they help by funding the expansion of their operations from the Isle of Wight on the South Coast of England, to Largs in Scotland.

Improving Lives

The Trust supports a number of young people who have suffered from brain tumours and sarcomas, treatment of which affects their coordination, balance or may result in an amputation, limiting their ability to move around a boat. Trust trips are now more accessible to these young people thanks to the purchase of two specially adapted yachts to improve the quality of the experience of those with mobility issues - this is all down to our players.

Since this support started in 2010, the Trust has grown beyond expectation working with every young persons' principle treatment centre and a growing number of designated units in the UK, as well as supporting siblings who are badly affected by the long-term illness of their brother or sister.

The ongoing support from our players is vital in helping the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust achieve its aim for every young person in recovery from cancer to be aware of the opportunities they offer, so they can continue to positively impact the lives of more young people.

Charities Win Too

If you're inspired by charities like Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, why not check some some of the other amazing causes supported by our players.  

People's Postcode Lottery players support good causes the length and breadth of Britain. If you're interested in volunteering or providing practical help to charities near you, find out about Local Causes that are looking for assistance**.**