My Life Now - meet Ed

It’s been nearly 18 years since the Trust first set sail – what are the young people who have been on trips up to now? Our 'My Life Now' series shows a positive future after cancer is a reality. This month Ed Yelland tells us how the support of the Trust gave him the confidence to follow his dream of being on stage.

Name Ed Yelland

Age 31

Diagnosis/year: Testicular cancer. 2012 and then diagnosed again in 2016.

When you first sailed with the Trust?

I first sailed with the Trust in 2013.

What you do now?

Actor and work part time in a theatre box office.

Explain what that means?

I’m a theatre actor performing in stage productions that tour the UK and if I’m lucky abroad.

Why did you do want to do this?

I have loved the theatre from an early age and am incredibly passionate about storytelling. I also think I’m good at it!

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

Last year I went on a tour round the US and Canada with my friends band. I sold the merchandise and just generally helped out. We visited 30 states and had so much fun. We drove the whole way and it was amazing to see how massive and beautiful North America is.

Why did you need the Trust's support in recovery?

I needed the Trust’s support to help me meet other people who had also had cancer. It can feel very lonely when you’re going through treatment, so it was personally very empowering to meet so many other strong and healthy people through the Trust who had been affected in a similar way to myself.

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

I now volunteer with the Trust and find this always gives me confidence in myself as a person and as a survivor of a serious illness. That is important in so many walks of life. Recovery is a very long and difficult road both mentally and physically, with many ups and downs so you take any encouragement and confidence where you can find it! I need confidence and belief in myself to stand up on stage in front of people so I am very grateful for the Trust’s role in helping me achieve that.

What's your top tip for a young person that wants to get into acting?

I don’t feel especially qualified to be giving out advice! Though I would say be as good and easy a person to work with as possible, so people want to work with you again. That’s pretty general and I’m sure applies to most jobs but I think it’s particularly important in the acting world.

Do you dream of a career on stage?

Our Wider Horizons Careers and Life Skills events kick off this week where you can join us on Instagram Live for a chat with Ed. He will be answering any questions you have and telling us how he got started in theatre. Tune in on Wednesday 19 August at 7pm.