Cumbria cancer survivor finds solace in sailing charity

20-year-old Kendal resident, Josh Fecitt, describes himself as part of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust family after spending years in isolation during his treatment and early recovery stages.

The Trust provides sailing and outdoor adventures for young people aged 18-24, inspiring them to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.

Mr Fecitt, diagnosed with soft tissue cancer in 2019, sailed with the charity after the Covid-19 pandemic, using the opportunity to focus on his mental health and forge new friendships.

He said: "I had my chemotherapy just before Covid, so I was isolating from everyone because of that, and then as soon I finished my chemo, Covid happened, and I had to isolate again.

"I had almost three years without any contact with any friends.

"When you come out of hospital, you’re lucky if you know someone who has had it before.

"Coming here, you can talk to people and discuss what has happened.

"It helps to reinforce that you’re going to be okay.

"You’ve got a lot to look ahead for."

Cancer can have a big impact on mental wellbeing well beyond treatment.

After treatment, many youngsters face challenges with their relationships, education, work experience, and body image.

The late effects of being diagnosed young can include infertility, extreme fatigue, osteoporosis, thyroid problems, and hearing or vision loss.

Once their treatment has concluded, the Trust's work begins.

Its sailing and outdoor adventures offer young people the chance to regain their optimism, independence, and self-worth.

Josh, pictured here with his crewmates, says the trips give him the 'freedom and confidence to do something or try a new skill' (Image: Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust)

The Trust aims to foster an understanding that they are not alone in their experiences, thus improving their mental wellbeing.

Mr Fecitt said: "I’ve got more confidence in what I can do.

"Before, I didn’t know how much I could push myself, but on a trip, I can push myself and explore what I want to do.

"It gives you that extra freedom and confidence to do something or try a new skill.

“Without the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, we wouldn’t all be together.

"It has created a little Trust family.”

The charity's founder and patron, Dame Ellen MacArthur, regularly sees the positive impact of the Trust's work.

She said: "Young people arrive anxious and isolated.

"But they leave feeling part of something, accepted, independent, and optimistic.

"We are only able to support as many young people as we do thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

"Because of them, thousands of young lives have been transformed after cancer through life-changing sailing and outdoor activity adventures.

“This summer, we will welcome hundreds of young people from right across the UK who need post-treatment support.

"We will be there for them and they will believe in a brighter future.”

There are still opportunities for young people from across Cumbria to get onboard this summer as the charity sets sail for 2024.

Anyone seeking support, regardless of the time elapsed since their treatment, can reach the Trust at ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org or on social media @emctrust.