YOUNG people who have been treated for cancer in Southampton have enjoyed a day of sailing at Ocean Village Marina.

The event, run by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, invited those who have received cancer treatment at Southampton General Hospital to come and sail at the marina last Tuesday.

A fleet of three boats welcomed 20 young people, aged between 8 and 17 aboard to learn the ropes with a Trust crew of volunteers and a skipper who taught them to raise the sails and helm the 44ft yachts.

The Trust inspires young people aged 8-24 to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.

The sailing days were part of the Trust’s ‘Taste of the Trust’ programme in response to the ongoing pandemic for 2021.

Instead of the usual four-day sailing trips the young people would typically be invited on, this year Children in Need provided funding to support young people aged 8 – 17 to attend the charities regional one-day trips in England.

Phillipa Payne was five when she was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma. Now 10, she reveals initially feeling “pretty petrified but excited” about setting sail with the Trust.

She said: “I was scared but looking forward to it as I could face a fear of mine. I didn’t think I would know anyone, so it was a great surprise to see my friend Florence here.”

Rachel Funnell, the Piam Brown Ward Charity Coordinator at Southampton General Hospital said: “The trips gave the youngsters something to really look forward to and importantly to meet other patients in a social context which they have not been able to do since the pandemic.

"Creating friendships and knowing that you are not alone in going through treatment is so important and has been sorely missed. Many thanks to the amazing Trust staff and volunteers for making this happen.”