As a keen sailor for over 10 years I have had so many fabulous adventures and seen how it transcends all ages. So when I became aware of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, I thought it was a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to see the fun sailing can bring. Ellen MacArthur, as many of you will know, sailed solo around the world in 2005, but had set up her cancer charity in 2003 to support young people aged 8–24 to rebuild their confidence after cancer. The charity provides the youngsters with a range of experiences including sailing trips. The charity relies on donations but also on volunteers. The volunteers include graduate volunteers who are young people who have previously taken part in the sailing trips , but also volunteer clinicians who can be on hand to support the young people and be on hand to provide the occasional clinical assistance to ensure safety.
I signed up as a volunteer clinician at the end on 2019, after speaking to a skipper on the boat I joined following a short sailing trip in the Atlantic. I was due to take part on my first volunteer trip in 2020 but unfortunately the pandemic hit so it was put on hold. At last, I was able to undertake my first volunteer session for the trust, which culminated in the ASTO Small Ships race in Cowes,
I can honestly say it was one of the most amazing things I have ever had the privilege of taking part in. The young people on the trip were so inspirational, despite their cancer journey and it made me feel humbled.
I have continued to volunteer for the trust and am doing my next trip next week. If you would like to learn more about this amazing charity or make a donation, see link https://lnkd.in/eq3kva-n
Sharon Lee, Senior Primary Care Workforce Programme Lead
