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A Zest For Life
A week-long sailing trip in the choppy waters off Scotland's rugged West Coast gave Izzy an experience that would change her life. An experience which has changed the lives of thousands of young people.
Take Back Control
Izzy, from Doncaster in South Yorkshire, was devastated when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 16. Within days, she felt everything was spiralling out of control.
Izzy explained, "I was 16 when I was diagnosed. You lose a massive amount of confidence. You revert back to being a bit like a child. Your parents look after you because you can't always do everything for yourself. All your control is taken from you."
But this summer, she was given an opportunity to take back some of that control. Izzy, now 18, set sail around the Firth of Clyde and West Coast with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
The Trust was founded in 2003 by round-the-world yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur. A national charity, it offers children and young people aged between 8 and 24 sailing and outdoor adventures to help inspire them to believe in a brighter future, living through and beyond cancer.
A New World
"For me sailing with the Trust was about getting the chance to do something on my own," says Izzy. "It's so easy to get caught up with your parents and your safety net.
"My week away was amazing. I'd never been sailing before but when you've been inside and alone for a long time you really want new experiences. It's nice to just get out there and do it and everybody at the Trust is in the same boat, literally! Everyone's there to enjoy it and just have fun."
"Being able to do everything for yourself is nice every once in a while, so you can understand who you are."
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has received more than £4 Million in funding raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery. Funding from players allowed the Trust to open its Scottish base in Largs in 2013, meaning it could support even more youngsters than ever before.
Support from players has been instrumental in the growth and development of the Trust. When first launched in 2003, it took five young people out on the water. This year, over 650 young people from across the UK have experienced the magic of the Trust and the completely unique experience the charity provides in spectacular settings.
Making A Difference
People's Postcode Lottery players are helping deserving causes like Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust make a difference every single day. Read more about the range of Charities which our players support.
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Published: 27/09/2023
