My Life Now - meet Hannah

It’s been 17 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 Hannah Foote tells us how the Trust gave her the independence to move away from home and pursue her nursing dream.

Name Hannah Foote

Age 25

Diagnosis/year: I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2007 aged 13.

When you first sailed with the Trust? I first sailed with the Trust in 2009 and absolutely loved it!  

What you do now? I went to university and trained to be a children’s nurse. I'm currently working at Barretstown (a charity rebuilding the lives of those affected by serious illness and their families) in Ireland. I am an activity leader and will work here until the end of summer!

Why did you do want to do this?

Volunteering with the Trust last year helped me recognise when I am happiest and has pushed me to pursue a job that I may not have done otherwise.

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

This job is the coolest thing I’ve done lately! It’s quite a big step for me to move somewhere completely different and away from home as I’m a true home person.

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

The Trust played a massive part in recovery for me. The biggest part was being able to meet other teenagers who were in similar positions and be in a place where I belonged. I always felt different throughout school after my treatment whereas Trust trips were a place I felt I could be myself and talk over how I felt without judgement.

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

The Trust has also benefited me by becoming a graduate volunteer and has provided me with confidence and the ability to believe in myself further. The Trust's loyalty to those that it provides trips for has really helped me, especially going into adulthood and being able to provide a sense of belonging.

What's your tip for a young person interested in getting into nursing after their trip?

I would say to a young person going into nursing to think of the reasons why they want to be a nurse. It is a very difficult but rewarding career! I would recommend trying to get work experience and talking to other nurses. I would say to think about their happiness first and foremost and recognise that you can do whatever you want to do, there are no limits!