Holly on the road to help sailing trust
RAISING MONEY FOR A CHARITY THAT AIDED CANCER RECOVERY
A CANCER survivor was today due to complete an eight-day, 600-mile cycle challenge to support the charity which helped her recovery following treatment.
Holly Hudson, 21, from Tilton on the Hill, is taking part in the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s Largs to Cowes bike ride, from the west of Scotland to England’s south coast.
Holly, a creative advertising student at Lincoln University, first sailed with the trust at the age of 13 following treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and has since become a volunteer to support its work.
She said: “I struggled to socialise normally after treatment and the trust brought normality back to my life and allowed me to find the confidence in myself again.
“This year when I started volunteering for the trust again it felt incredible. It was just almost like being back with the family as such.
“I wouldn’t have the confidence I have today if I hadn’t been on these trips, and I’ll be forever grateful for that.
“The doctors and nurses in hospital were all really lovely, but after treatment finishes, that’s it, it is like you are just on the edge of a cliff afterwards.
“The trust builds a bridge, so you don’t go over the edge. On the trip, they help you get to know other people and build your confidence up, they also helped to build my independence.”
The trust helps people aged eight to 24 via sailing and outdoor activities.
Holly said: “I started sailing with the trust when I was 13 and I’ve been going back every year. Then I became a volunteer when I was 19. I’ve always wanted to do something big for charity.
“I haven’t really been a cyclist, so I thought, you know what, it’s a big challenge and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust means a huge deal to me.
“So it would be lovely to actually give back and help people who need the help like I did.”
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