Ammarah's Story

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"It’s less like I had something really strange and out of the ordinary happen to me. It’s more like a community."

Ammarah only ever met one other person the same age as her during treatment. The trip was a chance for her to feel part of a community.

It was hard for Ammarah sitting in hospital watching her friends’ Snapchat stories while she was receiving chemotherapy.

Diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in October 2017, she missed out on social events and sitting her GCSEs like her peers.

“I only saw my friends for a few weeks when I went back to school, but it wasn’t the same because I was still ill. I didn’t get to go outside and do lessons normally because I couldn’t focus.”

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"Helming the boat makes you feel empowered."

Sharing her experience with others on the trip made it seem less like a bad memory. Instead, it was something similar to bond over.

The trip was unlike anything Ammarah had ever done before, but it also helped her reclaim her independence.

“Helming the boat makes you feel empowered, it was nice. I also liked sitting at the front of the yacht, just feeling the wind.”

She had some pre-trip nerves, but realised everyone was in the same boat.

"It’s less like I had something really strange and out of the ordinary happen to me."

Ammarah felt happier having the chance to open up to other people who understood what she had been through.

“It makes you feel less lonely, like it was more normal because everyone here has been through it or something similar. It’s less like I had something really strange and out of the ordinary happen to me. It’s more like a community.”

She felt comfortable talking to others about their shared histories.

“It’s definitely easier to speak to people here. It’s not as awkward to bring up the topic and bring up things with people who say ‘oh yeah, I went through that too’. It’s nice.”

Feeling inspired or want to help others like Ammarah?

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from Trust support, or you want to make a difference to young lives after cancer, here's how you can...

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