Guildford's Rowan Todd joins inspirational canal boat trip

by Natasha Elliott on 3 Nov 2016 Rowan Todd, 10 from Guildford, recently took part in an inspirational canal boat trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, along with other young people in recovery from cancer. Rowan joined the crew on 'Red Watch', a specially-adapted canal boat, on this pilot trip cruising along the Rivers Stort and Lee, on a five-day boating adventure.

For Rowan, who finished cancer treatment in March 2015 for Optic Pathway Glioma at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, this was her second time sailing with the Trust but her first canal boat trip. She said: 'I've been on a trip with the Trust before but not on an accessible boat like this. I've really enjoyed this trip; my favourite parts have been making cookies for the boat and making friends with the other young people.'

Cruising on-board the 67ft-long canal boat, which was chartered through the charity 'Canal Ability' and is fully wheelchair accessible, the trip provided 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. The boat is purpose-built to allow individuals who may struggle to sail on other yachts or canal boats to have full access, and comes complete with a lift, central heating, a full kitchen and a wet room as well as social space.

Rowan continued: 'It's really good to be able to talk about your experiences with people who understand. My advice to anyone considering going on a trip with the Trust is that you'll love it and, honestly, you won't regret it if you do go! Thank you Ellen MacArthur for making this trip possible!'

Departing from Harlow Town in Essex, the trip navigated the Stort and Lee rivers via Rye Meads Nature Reserve, cruising during the day and stopping off at points of interest throughout. The boat is designed to enable all people to join in with the sailing of it, including operating locks along the way.

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.

Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, Frank Fletcher added, 'We've seen first-hand the impact our trips have had over the years so to be able to now offer that opportunity to even more young people now through the accessibility of these canal boats is just fantastic.'

In its 13th year, the Trust has grown beyond every expectation into a national charity. Working with every young person Principal Treatment Centre and a growing number of Designated Units in the UK. Taking young people aged between 8-24 who are recovering from cancer on four-day sailing trips.

Find out how you can support the Trust and help to make a real difference to young people's lives by visiting website.