26 October 2021

My Life Now - meet Occupational Therapist Callan

It’s been 18 years since the Trust first set sail – what are the young people who have been on trips up to now? 'My Life Now' shows a positive future after cancer is a reality. The friendships and skills gained through the Trust gave Callan the confidence to move to Wales and develop his career...

Callan Glass aboard a Trust trip wearing a navy Trust blue cap and glasses

Name: Callan Glass

Age: 26


Pronouns
: He/him

Diagnosis/year: ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) in February 2015

When did you first sail with the Trust: In 2016.

What do you do now: : I am working in a hospitalas an Occupational Therapist in West Wales. I also volunteer with a local mental health charity.

Explain what that means: As an Occupational Therapist, I try to enable people to live a more independent and meaningful life. With my role at the moment, it is usually supporting older adults to get out of hospital and live at home with the help/support and equipment that they may need.

Why did you do want to do this? From my past experiences, I wanted to do a job that worked with people rather than a screen. And what more reward is there than to help someone who needs it.

What's the coolest thing you've done lately?

What a question, I think it was the sailing trip along the Isle of Wight. Where the weather was just lush, we didn't have much wind but that was alright, we just cruised along and one of the other young adults brought his guitar. We all had an amazing time playing music, listening to music, and connecting with each other. All of this with the beautiful backdrop of the sea and coast.

Callan at work holiday a clip boardWhy did you need the Trust's support in recovery?

The Trust enabled me to connect with people who could better relate to what I went through.

What part has the Trust played in you doing what you are now?

The Trust has enabled me to gain my confidence back after cancer, through positive friendships and learning to sail. I am sure this confidence has helped develop me and my character in my role.

What's your top tip for young people interested in working in your industry?

Get shadowing experience in whatever you want to work in and remember to shop around and get as many shadowing opportunities as you can in different roles.