Thomas Harrison takes part in four-day adventure with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust

Thomas Harrison canoeing

Thomas Harrison, 18, from Rochdale, joined the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust last week (11 – 14 April) for a four-day adventure including sailing, canoeing, high ropes, cycling, archery and power-kiting at the Essex Outdoors Centre in Bradwell.

Thomas who finished cancer treatment in May 2012 for Hodgkins Lymphoma at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, was joined by 15 other young people from around the UK, in recovery from cancer.

Taking part in his second trip with the Trust, Thomas explained what the opportunity meant to him: “It's fantastic to return to one of the Trust trips, I enjoyed the last one so much. Canoeing was my favourite activity, it was relaxing and because of the weather the water was quite warm. Spending time with other people who have had same experiences to me was good. You have so much in common straight away it really rebuilds your confidence. “

Held at the Essex Outdoor Centre, a coastal education centre based on the River Blackwater Estuary, the Trust four-day adventure enables young people (between the ages of 18 -24) to participate in a range of water and land based activities to help build their skills and confidence after treatment has finished.

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. In their 11th year, the Trust has grown beyond every expectation into a national charity. Working with every young person Principal Treatment Centre and a growing number of Designated Units in the UK. Taking young people aged between 8-24 who are recovering from cancer on four-day sailing trips.

Dame Ellen, who tries to spend at least one day with every four-day trip over the summer, adds: “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. ”

There are many ways you can support The Trust with your time, money or services. To become a Friend of the Trust and help them to continue to provide support and encouragement to young people in recovery from cancer visit http://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org