Cancer survivor in yacht adventure trip

A YOUNG Pontefract woman who is recovering from a cancer battle has taken part in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
Abbie MortonAbbie Morton
Abbie Morton

Abbie Morton, 22, who finished her treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma 2AE at Leeds General Infirmary in 2012, joined 19 other young people recovering from cancer on a five-day yachting adventure along the south coast of England earlier this month.

Abbie said: “The whole crew have been amazing – my ribs hurt from laughing so much. The trips are so much fun and you get to meet people outside of your area.

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“You get to discuss things that you can’t discuss normally – there’s a kind of unspoken humour and you get to talk about things you just couldn’t otherwise.”

Yachtswoman Ellen MacArthurYachtswoman Ellen MacArthur
Yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a national organisation which was set up 13 years ago by internationally renowned yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur after she was invited to go sailing with a group of young people with cancer.

Its aim is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing.

The trips also provide a chance for the 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.

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T^he trip navigated the waters of the Solent, which took them to various stopovers including Beaulieu, Poole and the picturesque harbour of Lymington for a BBQ. They then put their sailing and navigational skills to the test on their return to Cowes. For more information, go to www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org