Monday morning and I’m rushing out the door. I’m stressing that I might have forgotten something and need to ensure I don’t miss the train to Edinburgh Waverly where I would be meeting a group of young cancer survivors. Here my responsibilities were to ensure all the young people were okay and had all medications required before travelling (I was given note of this beforehand). After a little rocky start with delayed transport for one of the young people we all arrived in Largs for the start of what was to be an amazing week with the Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust.
On arrival and after seeing the large number of young people, some I recognised from a previous trip, it soon hit me that the earlier stressing was for nothing. After a small rundown of the plans for the week from the shore team, who spent most of the year organising these trips, the 5 skippers, 10 volunteers and 25 young people all headed to familiarise themselves with their boats. As it would be I was one of the volunteers on ‘Caledonian Hero’ which was the trust own boat which has been special adapted with handrails and a low access from the pontoons. With its blue and white branding and spacious saloon and deck area it really did stick out in among all the other boats in the marina. The weather Monday evening was beautiful and it was decided we would hit the waters for a lovely sail over to Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute.
The young people were quiet to start with, which is understandable as it can be a daunting experience meeting new people for the first time. As always on these trips the instant connections don’t need verbal communications and as the days went on, closer bonds were formed. John our skipper, as with all skippers, started getting the young people involved in sailing the boat. From the off, the young people get the chance to helm the boat as it slowly glides through the sea. There is something so powerful about taking the helm of a boat. Even now as a volunteer I still feel the same every time I do so. It’s that sense of control you have; you are controlling the direction of the boat and can see everything in front of you. This is a stark contrast to how life is living with and beyond cancer; you are not in control and struggle to find your own direction in life. As we approach Port Bannatyne, working together, the young people set up mooring lines and fenders, and assisted in mooring up the boat. That evening we sat on deck under the beautiful sunshine and enjoyed some tasty fajitas. All food is prepared on-board the boat by the volunteers and young people. That evening, as the sun began to set, the crew sat chatting on the deck getting to know each other more.
Tuesday morning and we woke to yet another beautiful morning, After breakfast myself and another volunteer took a group of young people on a walk along to a local shop. The young people were elated to find some ice-creams and cold drinks, giving the heat I wasn’t surprised. On the way back the young people from other boats were all interacting which was nice to witness. Once back all 5 boats headed out of Port Bannatyne and sailed (I used this term loosely as there was little wind) up the Kyles of Bute. I always find this area particularly scenic and this view was also shared by all the young people on-board our boat. We picked up a mooring buoy for lunch along with another 2 boats, while the others decided to stay out fishing. After lunch we set off and headed towards port Tarbet where we would moor up for the evening. The heat was still beating down and it was decided to have a bbq for dinner. As the young people and volunteers were playing games, eating foot and chatting and laughing I took a step back. Its moments like these that make these trips, the sailing is amazing fun and gives the young people so much confidence and self-belief but these interactions are fantastic to witness. The sounds of laughter and seeing those smiles are what keeps me coming back year in year out. All tucked up in bed that evening I was beginning to see the benefits of taking a step back from that thing we call ’LIFE’. I had enjoyed being out in the elements all day even if we were being eaten alive by midges.
Wednesday would see me wake to the most picturesque view as the sun was coming up over port Tarbet. After a little slower start we headed out of Tarbet around 10:30. The young people had already grown in confidence and were happy to take part in raising the main sail and jib sheets. John & Dave the other crew were always on hand to offer a little guidance if needed. Sailing out past Tarbet the wind soon died and the engine went back on. We stopped and anchored for lunch, just north of Tarbet, with the rest of the trust boats. We lowered the back to allow the young people to dip their toes in the water. Of course I joined in but it was still pretty cold. To just see these young people get the opportunity to sit on the edge of the boat in the middle of the sea at anchor was special. What an experience they were having, one I’m sure will stick with them for the rest of their lives. After sailing under engine, we continued on enjoying the occasional seal that popped its head up or porpoise that would appear above the glass surface of the sea. Mooring into Portavardie that evening, some young people went for a walk while others sat on-board the boats playing games. It always amazes me how understanding and friendly young cancer survivors are to each other. On the walk some young people were managing okay and others not so much. As a volunteer I’m there to ensure everyone is okay and having fun but I didn’t even need to do this as the other young people were assisting and ensuring everyone was managing okay.
Thursday the wind had picked up so we headed out on our way back to Largs. This time we got the sails up and we done some proper sailing. It was amazing in such a short space of time the young people were growing in confidence and managing to sail and helm the boat with very little assistance. Everyone had bonded as a team in such a short space of time and it was like they had known each other for years. Tacking back and forward until we got behind the cover of the Isle of Arran, then the wind just died. Sails away and engine on, we listened to sea shanties among other songs. As we glided through the water, it was like meditation, a little time to process your own thoughts and feelings. Before heading into largs it was time for the signature trust water fight. With the intense heat it was certainly needed. As the boats swayed in and out and danced on the water they battled with each other using water cannons. The pirates of the Caribbean theme tune bellowing out the speakers. What a laugh, so much fun and cooled down at the same time. Result!! Back at largs we sat on deck eating our dinner while the young people exchanged contact details so they could all keep in touch and share photos they had taken throughout the week.
Friday morning it was time to say our goodbyes. As always everyone on the trip gives their best, worst and funniest part of the trip. This is one of the best parts as the room is usually filled with laughter. As there are 5 boats there is always different things going on that you miss throughout the week. It’s amazing how much more talkative and loud the room is compared to the first day of the trip. Everyone hugging and saying goodbye is always hard, even for me. The young people will have been impacted positively by the trip and I know this as I have experienced this myself. Even now those young people have had a positive impact on me. I always go away wishing I had more trips to look forward to, as for me, this will be my one and only trip this season. For the trust though, this is the start of the season. Next week they will do the exact same and every week until the start of September.
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