25 February 2020
Regaining control of your life after cancer is a long and daunting process, thoughts of a 'normal' life seem like an impossible dream for many. Our 'My Life Now' series, shows that a positive future after cancer is a reality, often our trips help inspire young people to take the first step towards achieving their dreams. This month Sophie Trew shares her empowering story.
Name Sophie Trew
Age 29
Diagnosis/year Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2014
When you first sailed with the Trust? 2015
What you do now?
I'm a health coach and organiser of Trew Fields Festival which is the first cancer awareness and holistic health festival. Through the coaching I support people to feel confident after a cancer diagnosis using tools to boost emotional, physical and mental health. The festival is an annual celebration weekend of inspiring talks, health workshops, music and fun, there's over 60 speakers and workshop teachers with everything from yoga, meditation, silent discos, gut health, cooking demos, music, plant based food, ice baths, holistic therapies like massage and reflexology. This year we're turning 4 and it takes place on a beautiful farm in Surrey on July 3rd-5th.
Explain what that means?
The coaching is a step-by-step support programme for people to find clarity, direction and empowerment after a cancer diagnosis. I use coaching tools, meditation, mindfulness, breathwork and mindset tools to help each individuals. Trew Fields is a welcoming festival for all ages and backgrounds with something for the whole family to enjoy. After my diagnosis I wanted to create a festival that was inspiring, empowering, educational and fun. It is a gathering of health experts, patients, musicians and creatives. It brings together the cancer community to celebrate life under the summer skies.
Why did you do want to do this?
I felt unempowered when I was diagnosed, I had many unanswered questions about health and wanted to make lifestyle changes in my recovery. As I started to research I came across many inspiring people- those working in mental health, nutrition, eastern medicine and western medicine. I wanted to start an event that was about health, community, connection and learning about holistic health.
What's the coolest thing you've done lately?
I recently trained to be a breathwork and meditation teacher in India- exploring India on moped! I wanted to train in the two things that helped me get through chemotherapy and recovery my energy helped me connect back to my body to heal.
Why did you need the Trust's support in recovery?
The Trust was a special opportunity to learn new skills, regain confidence after chemotherapy, and meet some lovely people.
What part has the Trust played in you doing what you are now?
On my sailing trip I met Rob Da Bank who inspired me to bring my festival dream to life. I'd always been curious about putting on a festival but it was only when I got cancer that the inspiration came for what it could be about. On our sailing adventure, the guest on the trip was Rob Da Bank- of all people to join us- Bestival and Camp Bestival co-founder! I then went to experience Bestival backstage after connecting with Rob and got more inspiration.
What's your top tip for a young person interested in working in your field?
Believe in yourself, get creative with building your life, find someone who's where you want to be in about 10 year's time and see if they'll give you support or mentoring. Get experience and inspiration working at events and festivals.
Sophie would love to welcome friends of the Trust to join her at Trew Fields this summer and is offering a 10% discount off all weekend and day tickets. The Festival takes place on 3-5 July. Use the code FIELDTRIP to take advantage of her kind offer - www.trewfields.com