Sailing was a big help in cancer battle
Iona’s t-shirt is to be worn by future boat crews
Iona Sutherland steers her own course A teenage leukaemia survivor from Kinross will see her artwork worn by hundreds of youngsters in cancer recovery after winning a design competition.
Iona Sutherland (16) won Musto’s national competition in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
Her sunny design will be worn by everyone who goes sailing with the trust in 2019, around 700 budding crew members.
The technical clothing and accessories sailing brand Musto, invited every young person who sailed with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust this summer, to sum up what the charity means to them.
Iona’s winning sketch of a yacht sailing against the backdrop of a blazing sunset captured how young people can embrace their future and re-engage with life after cancer.
Through sailing, young people in cancer recovery are empowered – physically, mentally and emotionally – as they make friends with others who have been through the same thing, rediscover their independence and learn new skills.
Iona underwent treatment for a rare acute undifferentiated leukaemia at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow in 2014 and 2015.
She first sailed with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust from the charity’s Scottish base in summer 2016 during her recovery and made another trip to sea in August.
Keen sailor Iona said: “The trips made me feel like I wasn’t on my own.
“I don’t think you can understand what it’s like to go through cancer unless you’ve been through it yourself. To be around people who had shared my experiences was really comforting.
“I am so delighted to win and can’t believe my design is going to be on the trust t-shirt. Now I can’t wait to see it in real life.”
Dame Ellen added: “Iona’s design sums up what the trust means to me and so many young people in recovery. I would like to send my warmest congratulations to Iona and thanks to Musto. I’m looking forward to wearing the new t-shirt next year.”
To find out about the difference the trust makes to young people like Iona in their recovery from cancer, or to donate now, visit
I can’t wait to see it in real life