17 September 2026
This summer we empowered 658 young people to believe in a brighter future, resulting in our second-best year to date!
Building on our commitment to support individuals living through and beyond cancer, young people saw greater improvements in all areas of short-term wellbeing compared to last year across our sailing and outdoor adventures.
The power of adventure
Throughout the season, 35 phenomenal adventures took place across the UK, including 29 sailing trips, an accessible canal trip and five outdoor adventures, creating opportunities for young people to reconnect with themselves and discover their own potential.
Our adventures help young people reclaim moments they may have missed because of cancer. After being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at 13, Poppy (pictured below left) underwent intensive treatment and experienced “quite a lot of FOMO [fear of missing out] because I missed out.”
Following her first sailing adventure, aged 15, she described it as “a good chance to make new experiences and make up for time that I have lost.” Poppy’s first adventure offered more than simply the chance to try something new; it was an opportunity to reclaim an adolescence disrupted by cancer.
Yet cancer can have a lasting impact after treatment ends, making our return adventures equally important. Simran (pictured right) was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia aged six and first joined us at nine.
Now 18, after returning seven times, she reflected: “Cancer is a long-term thing. I’ve been cancer-free for ten years, and I still feel the impact every day.” Returning gives Simran the chance to connect with others who understand and the opportunity to rediscover joy after cancer: “You don’t have to relive the bad moments; you can make new memories that came from bad things.”
Reaching further, supporting more
This year also saw our inaugural sibling sailing adventure set sail, recognising how deeply a cancer diagnosis can affect the whole family. Betty, whose brother Frank was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged three, described the experience simply: “Coming on this trip is like being free.”
Her mum saw the difference too, saying it gave Betty “the chance to breathe, grasp life, and thrive.” Sibling adventures allow us to extend that support to more of the people affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Making magic possible
Alongside an unforgettable season of adventures, we had a fantastic fundraising summer. Specially adapted yacht Peter PAN launched in partnership with Ancasta Group and Beneteau, thanks to its donation by long-term supporter Peter Norrie. Now based in Largs, Peter PAN will open up the transformative power of time on the water to even more young people.
As the Official Charity of North Sails Cowes Week during its 200th anniversary, our supporters raised an incredible £14,770, with ten fearless fundraisers taking on the 55ft Mast Climb Challenge.
Our work also reached audiences across the UK through BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Scotland, helping amplify young people’s voices and show the difference the right support can make after cancer.
A BIG thank you!
From nervous first steps aboard to returning faces and milestone moments, 2026 has been a summer filled with connection, joy, and magic. Thank you to every young person, family, volunteer, supporter, and partner who made it possible. Together, we are helping more young people believe in a brighter future through and beyond cancer.