16 July 2026
We are delighted to welcome seven new members to our Youth Advisory Group. They will continue the group’s vital goal in amplifying the voices of young people in everything we do.
Please welcome Matthew Anderson, Charlotte Bedwin, Joe Eddison, Libby Kelly, Oliver Morgan, Joe O’Connor, and Lénie Zézé – we are delighted to have them aboard!
Our Youth Advisory Group makes sure the diverse lived experiences, opinions, and ideas of all young people we support are at the heart of our decision-making. For example, they have shaped our approach to chronic fatigue on trips, furthered our understanding of what young people of different ages want from return trips, and fed into our Ambitions strategies.
Everyone is keen to get started and help guide the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust into the future.
Oliver (right) said: “Having significantly benefited from the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s work, joining the Youth Advisory Group offers me the opportunity to use my experience to give back. I want to help shape its future for the benefit of others with cancer. I am really looking forward to getting to know the other Youth Advisory Group members, exchanging ideas and working with them in the future.”
Libby (left) said: “When I lost my hair due to cancer, I lost all my confidence. But when I went on my first sailing trip, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust helped bring it back. I’m excited to join the Youth Advisory Group so I can help do the same.”
Joe O’Connor said: “Through the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s trips, I’ve learned that life after treatment can still be an adventure. I’m aiming to use the voice I found on my trips to champion great experiences for other young people who’ve struggled after treatment like I did.”
Charlotte said: "I wanted to join the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust Youth Advisory Group because the charity gave me confidence, support and a real sense of belonging when I needed it most. I want to help others feel that same encouragement, and I’m excited to help shape future experiences for young people. I’m also really looking forward to finding new ways to strengthen the programme and make it even more impactful."
We would also like to thank Dani Clapcott, Nabeel Miah, Matt Tozer, and Emily Wright who are all stepping down from the Youth Advisory Group. Their contributions over the last few years have been invaluable and have helped elevate and shape the group into what it is today. We are grateful for all they have given the group over the years.
Think you've got something to offer? Keep an eye on the Become a Volunteer page of our website and follow us across social media @emctrust for when applications open, or you can express your interest now.