"When you’ve got a shared experience, you bond with people and can be more empathetic. You can trust them more."
Diagnosed with Stage 4 Wilms Tumour at six years old, Emre was too young to completely understand what was happening.
Following an operation to have his kidney removed, radiotherapy for lesions on his lungs, and a year of chemotherapy, he went into his shell.
His first trip gave him the chance to take ownership over his body after experiencing phantom pain, aches, and shortness of breath.
"The older kids were talking about their experience, and although I still didn’t really understand why, I knew it felt right and quite nice."
Being around other young people on that trip who had been through something similar was a huge comfort.
“I was still quite young, but the older kids were talking about their experience, and although I still didn’t really understand why, I knew it felt right and quite nice.”
The trips give Emre the chance to take control of his own development. He felt his social confidence increase, and meeting such a range of different people has helped him grow up.
"The Trust is one of the best things that’s happened in my life."
Emre has been a regular face on Trust trips to residentials for four years now. He loves the range of activities on offer, but it’s the people he meets that have the biggest impact on him.
“You mature a lot faster with the Trust, in a good way, 100%. When you’ve got a shared experience, you bond with people and can be more empathetic. You can trust them more. It’s a thing between you."
With the life skills he gained from multiple trips, he felt empowered to support other young people going through recovery.
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...
