A young cancer patient took part in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
Lauren Shilcock, 17, from Northolt, along with 23 other young people between the age of eight and 18 in recovery from cancer, joined the crew of one of five yachts to sail around the Solent on the south coast from July 20-23.
For Lauren, who finished cancer treatment in August 2003 for a Wilms Tumour at the Royal Marsden Hospital, this was her first time sailing with the trust.
She said: "I was a bit scared before because until now I haven't really known anyone else who was ill because I was ill when I was younger, so I don't really remember anything from it. Being able to have people to talk to now, I'm not the only one anymore.
"I've had such a good time and I really want to come again next year. My favourite part was in the evenings, the stars. Where I'm from, you never really get to see the stars. The stars in the sky were amazing. I stayed up sitting, looking at them."
Sailing onboard 42-48ft cruising yachts, the trust trips provide a chance for young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment, encouraging them to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking.
Departing from their south coast HQ in East Cowes Marina, Isle of Wight, the trip navigated the waters of the Solent, which took them to various stopovers including Yarmouth Harbour and the picturesque bay of Newtown Creek for a BBQ, before putting their new skills to the test cruising back into Cowes.
Launched in 2003, the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing.
Dame Ellen, who tries to spend a day on as many trips as possible, added: "The mental and social fall-out from cancer can be just as devastating as the physical illness. Everything we do is about building confidence, self-esteem and having fun together."
