24 April 2018
There are many charities supporting young people with cancer in the UK, but the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is unique as it works with young people post-treatment, an extremely difficult phase that is all too often overlooked.
Through the ‘Return to Volunteer’ programme, young people can continue their relationship with the Trust and keep making a difference after they turn 18. The incredible support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has made a huge difference to the Trust and the number of young people that can take part in this unique programme.
In 2018, more young people than ever before will join us to take part in these special five -day trips. During their time with the Trust, the young people will learn the skills required to be a volunteer, including working through their RYA Competent Crew qualifications.
Jack Hocking, 23, from Edinburgh completed his volunteer training last week on Caledonian Hero, a specially adapted yacht that was kindly donated to the Trust by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. He went on his first trip in 2015 and has been on four trips since “The Trust helped me to come out of my shell post-treatment and now I feel confident enough to come back and help others” said Jack.
To find the confidence to reimagine a positive future following the devastation of cancer, young people need support over time, not just one-off trips or experiences. Emily, 16, from Bristol, who has been on two trips said: "The Trust is unlike any other cancer charity as it focuses on teens who are in post-treatment, in many cases, the hardest and most depressing part".
After Treatment ends many young people feel as though they have been dropped, as Emily explains: “It is extremely hard to get back to where we were and feel accepted by society again, thankfully the Trust helps to pick us up after this dramatic drop".
The ‘Return to Volunteer’ programme makes a real, enduring impact as it provides the opportunity for young people at different stages of recovery to interact. Providing hope to Trust first-timers, whilst giving the volunteers the satisfaction that comes from helping others in the way they were helped themselves.
If you want to find out how you can support the Trust please visit: www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/get-involved
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The first
‘Return to Volunteer’ trip on Caledonian Hero in Largs[/caption]