26 August 2021

My Life Now - meet Electrical Engineer Steph

It’s been 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. The support of the Trust gave Steph the courage to take on new challenges...

Steff at the chart table on her first Trusr trip

Name: Stephanie Pinnells


Age: 27

Pronouns: She/her

Diagnosis/year: Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 2004.

When did you first sail with the Trust: I first sailed with the Trust in 2009.

What do you do now: : I am an electrical building services engineer.

Explain what that means: I work in the electrical lighting and energy solutions team within my company focusing on highway and commercial projects.

Why did you do want to do this? I hope to be a Charted Engineer by the time I am 30.

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

I am at the point of finishing of my HND in building service, getting exam results, to be very proud of and I'm currently expecting my second child in the autumn.

Steff at her graduation Why did you need the Trust's support in recovery?

My self-confidence is a massive one. The Trust helped me step away from the hospital and into my comfort zone, to prove to myself I could learn a new skill without the help from the friends and family.

I found a lovely new hobby, since being a young person through the Trust I have achieved some sailing qualifications and have the dream to own my own yacht one day. I love the feeling of being on the water.

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

The Trust helped me to build my confidence and let me know that everything was okay in the world. It gave me the courage to go to university and understanding that my health didn’t control my life.

I could still do a lot of things when I put my mind to it, grinding the winch to lift the sail, plotting the course and even cleaning down the boat, little tasks that meant a lot to show me my capability. It has helped me be the person a am today.

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

Do it! The building services industry is big and undertakes a varied amount of subjects from sustainability to how buildings operate to make them liveable, making each day different.