Eligibility criteria

We can support young people who meet our eligibility criteria. If you are in any doubt about a young person’s eligibility, please contact the team.

Last updated: 4 January 2024

WE CAN SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE WHO FULFIL THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

  • They are being/have been treated for a condition coded as cancer, a cancer like condition with a high burden of treatment, or have a bone marrow failure syndrome.
  • They are a minimum of 8 weeks post completion of all dose-intensive, intravenous anti-cancer treatment at the time of the trip.
  • They are currently in receipt of ALL maintenance treatment; being well-established on their maintenance phase and in a stable condition.
  • They are currently in receipt of treatment solely with oral targeted inhibitor drugs, for example, Debrafanib, Trimetanib, Imatanib, Ceritinib, Regorafenib.
  • They are without any significant toxicity of the above drugs. The Trust may need to further discuss this directly with you dependent on the individual drug(s).
  • They must be able to self-administer any required regular injections.
  • They have had their 8th birthday by the time they come on a trip (*exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for other Trust activity).
  • They have been diagnosed before their 25th birthday. The upper age limit of 24 is flexible and each young person will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with the agreement of the CEO and Operations Managers.
  • There is no limit to how far post treatment a young person is to be eligible.
  • They must reside, and be eligible for free NHS cancer treatment, in the UK.
  • They must be a minimum of 12 months post bone marrow/stem cell transplant and have started their re-immunisation process/have been advised by the treating team that they can return to work/school/college etc. We are happy to discuss this further if needed.
  • Will be required to have a full blood count taken in the week before the trip, if they are in receipt of any treatment that carries a risk of neutropenia. These results must be: Neutrophils over 1.0, Haemoglobin over 80, and Platelets over 70.
  • If in receipt of treatment with an oral targeted agent (such as those listed by example above or similar), we would need to see a normal blood test (Full Blood Count) done within a month of the date of the start of the trip.
  • For our yacht and outdoor adventure trips, a young person will need to have a movement range similar to/would allow them to get in and out of a bath independently for example, and be able to shower, dress, and use the toilet unaided. This is so you can access the yachts and take part, as much or as little as you want, in the activities. There are wheelchairs available, but we are currently unable to accommodate full-time wheelchair users on this type of yacht trip.
  • For young people who are full-time wheelchair users, have very poor mobility, or require a high level of support from the staff, we run annual canal trips on fully accessible canal barges in partnership with Lyneal Trust. If you/your child are uncertain or have any questions, contact us to discuss individual requirements.
  • Due to risks involved young people who are pregnant would not be able to join the trip. We will do everything we can to get them on a trip in the future.

Please note:

If you are in any doubt about a young person’s eligibility, please contact the team at [email protected] on 01983 297750 (Isle of Wight) or 01475 672770 (Largs).

PRE-TRIP ILLNESS

What should you do if you've been or feel ill before your Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust sailing or outdoor adventure? Please make sure you read our 'Guidance on pre-trip illness' here - Guidance on pre-trip illness

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