New Mills girl a steady hand on sailing holiday for young cancer survivors

Isobel Lewis recently took part in an inspirational Scottish sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, along with 16 other young people at various stages in their battle with the illness.

For Isobel, who finished cancer treatment in March 2011 for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, this was her third time sailing with the trust.

Thankfully recovered, she is now in a position to support others using her experience.

She said: “It’s reassuring because you realise that you’re not the only one and you can see how many children cancer has affected, which makes you feel better as you can talk to other people about it.

“It’s always fun, they take care of you, there is a lot to learn and you get to meet new people.”

Launched in 2003, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust aims to give people aged 8-24 in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing and positive relationships.

Together, the youngsters crewed four yachts along the west coast of Scotland on a five-day adventure.

Departing from Largs, they sailed to Loch Fyne via the Kyles of Bute and enjoyed stopovers at the picturesque ports of Tarbert and Portavadie, before putting their new skills to the test circumnavigating the Island of Bute on their way back to Largs.

Along the way they worked as a team and got involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking.

To find out more, see www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org.