Young cancer patient to join The Ellen MacArthur Trust voyage (From Daily Echo)

Young cancer patient to join The Ellen MacArthur Trust voyage

12:02pm Thursday 30th April 2009 in Search By Will Carson

A HAMPSHIRE youngster recovering from cancer will fulfil a dream when she sets sail on a life-changing “voyage of discovery”.

Recovering leukaemia patient Harriet Wills will set off on an adventure of a lifetime with sailing charity The Ellen MacArthur Trust on their Round Britain Voyage of Discovery.

The 15-year-old from Southampton, who was diagnosed with the deadly cancer of the blood when she was just five, first set foot on a boat when she sailed with the Ellen MacArthur Trust in 2004.

On Sunday she will be one of five youngsters who will set sail on the first leg of the voyage from Cowes to Dover.

The Gregg School pupil said: “I can’t wait to start the voyage, I’m so excited.

“Ever since my first trip I have wanted to go sailing again and I was speechless when I got the letter inviting me on the Voyage of Discovery.

“Sailing with the Ellen MacArthur Trust really inspired me to try new things and really live my life.”

In total, 85 youngsters recovering from serious illnesses will take part in the 2,000-nautical mile, four-month circumnavigation, stopping at 17 ports around the country.

The youngsters will then visit the hospitals and young persons’ principal treatment centres which have helped them recover from their illnesses talk to other youngsters currently and undergoing treatment.

World record-breaking yachtswoman and trust patron Dame Ellen MacArthur said: “Young people suffer from a massive blow to confidence and they struggle to get back into normal life after they have had treatment.

“The Round Britain Voyage of Discovery will get them involved in an actual challenge – they will have to sail around Britain themselves.”