Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Sailing challenge helps Leanne put cancer behind her
A young cancer survivor has taken part in an inspirational sailing trip organised by a charity.
Leanne Keem, from Broad Oak, joined other young people in recovery crewing yachts around the Solent with the Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust.
The 23-year-old finished treatment for papillary thyroid carcinoma at London’s Guy’s Hospital in May 2014.
She said: “I was a bit nervous as I’d never been sailing before and I thought I was going to get sea sick, but it was really good.
“I have learned that I can do more than I think I can.”
Using 48ft cruising yachts, the trust’s 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.
Departing from the charity’s south coast base at East Cowes Marina on the Isle of Wight, the crew navigated the waters of the Solent for four days, and enjoyed various stopovers – including at Yarmouth harbour and the pic- turesque bay of Newtown Creek, where they had a BBQ.
Leanne, who works in clinical trials, added: ‘It’s been so good because we’ve all be in the same boat, so to speak.
“The volunteers and the crew have all been through similar things so it’s nice and it takes the pressure off. It was a fabulous experience.”
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, said: “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.”
To find out how you can support the trust, visit www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org.