Teenager set sail on her trip of a lifetime after beating bone cancer

A BRAVE teenager has enjoyed the trip of a lifetime after two years of cancer treatment.

Memoona Khawaja was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma, a type of bone cancer in September 2013 and finished her treatment at The Christie Hospital in Manchester in October.

After two years of treatment, the 19-year-old from Hollins Lane in Accrington, took part in a sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust at Larg on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland, along with 15 other young people in recovery from cancer.

The former Accrington Academy pupil who lives with her parents and three siblings said: “I had six cycles of vide, which is a type of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery to remove half my hip and then more chemo.

“After I finished treatment, I still struggled with the emotional toll of cancer.

“I found out about the Ellen MacArthur Trust through The Christie.

“I was told about the trip by my social worker who suggested it was a good opportunity to go and meet other people of a similar age who had experience I’ve had, I would even say life changing.”

Memoona joined the crew of one of the yachts, to sail on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland in a four-day yacht adventure.

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 and sailing on board its 42-48 foot cruising yachts.

Memoona has now been in remission for nine months and hopes to continue working with the charity and become a volunteer.

She said: “Becoming a volunteer is something I am definitely interested in.

“Now that the trip is over, I feel happy and a lot more confident.

“I’ve made great friends and had a really good time.”