Rebekkah Lindores lost all independence when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 12.
The Sydenham woman is now living through and beyond cancer but now has no peripheral vision and no depth perception. But despite her challenges, the now 20-year-old is feeling optimistic about the future as she puts her all into sailing.
She has just returned home after five days on the waters with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Opening up about the opportunities it has given her, Rebekkah says the Trust gives her something to focus on.
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"It was really hard [when I was diagnosed] because I was so used to doing everything by myself and it made me nervous because I kept bumping into things, so I had to go everywhere with my mum," she said.
“This is my third time with the Trust and it’s just amazing to come to the Isle of Wight. The Trust gives you something to focus on and be excited about other than the negative things in life.
"The Trust helps you let go of your worries and just have fun which is so important because if you’re constantly focused on the negatives and constantly stressed it is really bad for your mental health. But here you get to make lots of new friends that understand what you’re going through which helps you feel more included and less isolated."
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.
Once a young person like Rebekkah has sailed with the Trust for the first time, they can stay involved, either by returning for further annual trips or, if they are aged 18+, by becoming a volunteer to support other young people like them.
“I can’t drive a car because of my vision," Rebekkah added.
"So it feels amazing to helm the boat with the help of the skippers and volunteers. It’s given me more confidence to do things by myself without my guide dog. It just feels amazing to me when we’re actually sailing with no engine and the sails up – it like we’re flying."
Through the Trust’s sailing and outdoor activities, young people meet others who have had similar experiences - often for the first time, 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 the ‘only one’.
The long-term support inspires young people to believe in a brighter future as they feel accepted, independent, and optimistic. 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.
Rebekkah said: “I feel optimistic about going to university now. I was nervous about moving away from home in September at first but coming here has proved I can be independent and do things by myself.”
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was founded by the record-breaking round-the-world yachtswoman in 2003. It 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 for more information.
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