Cancer survivor Emily Wright sails the Solent

Emily Wright was nine when she was diagnosed with an optic pathway glioma - a slow-growing brain tumour that forms around the nerves that carry information from the eye to the brain.

She was among 12 young people from across the UK that spent a week sailing from East Cowes Marina, thanks to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

Emily first sailed with the Trust in 2016 aged 13.

"It was lovely to be back on the water," she said.

"Lockdown was tough as I like keeping busy. Since chemo I’ve had fatigue issues but the way I get over that is to keep myself busy.

"During lockdown it was hard because I couldn’t do all the things I enjoy doing but now that it’s over I feel more grateful for the things I can do like being back here."

Through the Trust’s sailing and outdoor activities, young people meet others who have had similar experiences.

Emily added: “It’s the visual side of things that affect me the most as I’m registered blind which has impacted my life, but I deal with it by throwing myself into a whole load of activities to prove to everyone that I can still do stuff despite everything.

“I do things in slightly different ways as keeping watch of the boat is something I’m never going to be great at, but I can help with plenty of other things and help in adapted ways.

“Being here you’re surrounded by a whole load of people who have been through the same as you there’s no questions of ‘why are you hobbling a bit?’ or ‘why are you walking with a cane?’ everyone just gets on and tries and does everything just in their own way.”

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