A LARGS-based cancer charity is asking for support this Christmas to help young survivors get on the water next year.

Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust supported 671 young people throughout 2024, more than any other year since Dame Ellen set it up in 2003.

The national charity takes young people aged eight to 24 who are living through and beyond cancer on sailing and outdoor adventures to inspire them to believe in a brighter future. 

Charity CEO, Frank Fletcher, said: “It is a really challenging time for all charities. To do what we need to do for young people next summer, we need the support of our local Largs community this Christmas.

"One of the greatest gifts you could give is a young person their future back after they have been through the trauma of cancer and treatment. We can only be there for them next summer and into the future with your help.” 

The charity supports young people like Ben, who was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma aged 21 in 2020, which led to six months of chemotherapy.

Now 26 and having sailed with the charity three times, he said: “I didn’t feel like I needed support.

"I felt like I was coping and had everything under control. But my first trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust taught me to talk about my cancer, which helped me mentally and emotionally process the trauma of that time.

"On my second, I realised there were still more things to process. Then after my third, it was like coming full circle.

"Being surrounded by other young people talking about cancer in a free, darkly humorous, amazing way was a turning point for me.

"It knocked me sideways because I realised there was still work to be done. I started talking about it again after suppressing it. I replaced the wall I'd built with a bridge.

“Three years ago, I wouldn’t have talked about what appointment I was going to, or when I’d had a bald head. Now, I can say I look good bald, and I’m able to show people a picture from that time.

“I didn’t ever want to be known as Ben, the one who has cancer. I wanted to be known as Ben, who is fun to be around and is achieving things.

"Without the charity, who I really am would be a guarded secret and there would be a wall hiding me from the outside world.”

With the people of Largs' help this Christmas, more young survivors will believe in a brighter future in 2025.

For more information, to donate or sign up for a trip visit the charity's website at ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org.