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Let Me Be Me

Twenty years of transforming lives through the power of sailing

Isla has taken back control and will not be defined by their cancer experience

"I just get to be Isla. It's not Isla who's defined by cancer or post cancer - it just lets me be myself."

Isla has been experiencing the transformational magic of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust for seven years.

Established on the Isle of Wight in 2003, the Trust has taken thousands of young people on life-changing trips after cancer treatment. Isla, now aged 20, is just one of them.

Finding The Future

The charity offers children, teenagers and young adults sailing and outdoor adventures to inspire them to believe in a better future beyond cancer. More than 650 young people have benefited from their support this summer alone.

Isla, from Surbiton, was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 4. Isla has been closely involved with the Trust since they were 13.

This summer, however, Isla returned for the first time as a volunteer.

Isla said, "The confidence boost I got from my first sailing trip was incredible. It just stopped me feeling alien from my peers."

Isla travelled to the Isle of Wight to support those taking part and help them share in an experience that they had treasured so much as a teenager.

Thanks To Players

This year, the Trust is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In that time, almost 3,200 young people across the UK have taken to the water, from the charity's bases on the Isle of Wight and in Scotland.

Over the past 10 years, players of People's Postcode Lottery have raised more than £4 Million for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, enabling it to reach hundreds more young people impacted by cancer.

Frank Fletcher, CEO, has been involved since day one. He said, "For 20 years we've seen the positive impact sailing has on young people's mental wellbeing after treatment. Players of People's Postcode Lottery have been instrumental in making this possible. On behalf of every young person we support, thank you."

Making A Difference

People's Postcode Lottery players are helping deserving causes like Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust make a difference every single day. Read more about the range of Charities which our players support.