An inspirational cancer survivor from Gedling got a taste for life on the ocean after taking part in a four-day yachting adventure.
Rhianna Burrows joined the crew on one of six yachts that sailed around the Solent on the south coast with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
The 11-year-old, who finished cancer treatment back in July 2014 for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, was joined by other young people from across the country who had also battled the disease.
For Rhianna, this was her first time sailing with the Trust.
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She said: “I really enjoyed the sailing because it was something I hadn’t done before.
“Meeting new people on the trip was really good because we could talk and understand each other more than other people do”.
Departing from their south coast base in East Cowes Marina, Isle of Wight on Monday, the trip navigated the waters of the Solent, which took them to various stopovers including Yarmouth Harbour and the picturesque bay of Newtown Creek for a BBQ.
They then put their new skills to the test and cruised back to Cowes.
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.
The Trust trips provide a chance for the young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
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.”
Find out how you can support the Trust and help to make a real difference to young people’s lives by visiting:Â www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org
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