A CORNISH teenager who is making the most of life through and beyond cancer says he is “grateful for his tumour” because of the opportunities it’s given him.

Eighteen-year-old Alfie Huthnance has just returned from five days of sailing on the Solent with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

Alfie, who’s from Roche, near St Austell, was 12 when he was diagnosed with Ganglioneuroma, a rare type of lung tumour. He was among 14 young people from across the UK to sail from the Isle of Wight as the Trust returns to its activities on the water.

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust inspires young people aged 8-24 to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer. For many young people, picking up where they left off before their diagnosis isn’t possible. So, when treatment ends, the Trust’s work begins.

The isolation, loneliness and anxiety experienced by young people with cancer has been massively amplified by COVID and lockdown, and the Trust is finding its work is more vital than ever.

Alfie first sailed with the Ellen McArthur Trust in 2017. He explains: “It’s been tough. I haven’t really been outside that much which kind of sucks, so I was excited for this. To come back and be on the water and meet people that I haven’t met before is awesome.”

Through the Trust’s sailing and outdoor activities, young people meet others who have had similar experiences, rediscover independence away from home, experience an increased sense of purpose and self-worth, and begin to realise what they are capable of again. Most importantly they stop feeling like they’re the “only one”.

The teamwork and adventure helps participants to feel valued, accepted, optimistic and independent. They can start to re-establish their place in the world by getting back into education or employment and reconnecting with their friends and families.

“My tumour impacted me quite a lot because I was 12 when I had it, so it was pretty traumatic at the time,” says Alfie.

“I was in hospital at Christmas as well but over the last few years I’ve been okay. I feel in a way thankful for my tumour because of the opportunities it’s given me, but at the same time it was horrible.

“I wouldn’t have met any of the people I’ve met on these trips so I feel thankful for that.”

Alfie had been doing an acting course but over lockdown says he spent a lot of time thinking and realised we wanted a change in direction.

“The Trust has inspired me to become a water sports instructor. So, next year in 2022 I’m coming back to the Isle of Wight and training to become a water sports instructor.”

Dame Ellen MacArthur, record-breaking yachtswoman and the Trust’s founder and patron, said: “We hear a lot, that for many young people what happens after treatment can be as difficult as, if not even more so, than the treatment itself.

“Receiving funding from People’s Postcode Lottery has been a gamechanger in enabling us to reach and have a positive impact on the lives of many hundreds of these young people over the past decade.

“We know the impact the Trust has on the mental wellbeing of young people living through and beyond cancer. Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, more and more will get the support they need to believe in a brighter future.”

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is there for anyone who is struggling or could simply do with a bit of support, however long off treatment they are. Visit ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org or follow @emctrust on social media.