Katy was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma last year
Churchill teenager Katy Corrigan recently took part in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, along with 14 other young people in recovery from cancer.
Katy joined the crew of one of the Trust’s yachts, to sail on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland from July 6 -9 , in a four-day yacht adventure.
For 19-year-old Katy, who finished cancer treatment in December 2014 for Hodgkins Lymphoma (Stage 3) at Belfast City Hospital, this was her first time sailing with the Trust.
She said: “Having cancer as a young person, it is easy to sometimes feel like you are the only one. To know other people who have had the same side effects as you is strangely comforting – even if we live hundreds of miles away.”
Sailing onboard 42-48 foot cruising yachts, the Trust trips 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.
Katy continued:”This trip has really helped me regain my independence and confidence in myself. Here you are expected to cook and clean as well as helping to sail the boats – it’s made a positive change to my perspective on life.”
During the trips, the Trust fleet navigates the waters of the Firth of Clyde, making various stopovers including Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute, the National Sailing Centre at Great Cumbrae and back to Largs, giving the young people the opportunity to test their new skills on the water.
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.”
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