Sound Waves

Ever wondered what happens at one of our volunteer training days?Here to tell you everything about 2024's training event, which was held towards the end of March in Birmingham, are Volunteer & Team Development Manager Krissi and newly anointed Luke Gilbert Volunteer of the Year Martin. They tell us everything from the vibes on the day to what they got out of it, and about the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging playing such a big factor in the event. And of course we talk about Martin's Volunteer of the Year win too! 

About a year ago, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust launched Bigger Impact, Brighter Futures - Our Ambitions 2023-2025. So, how are we doing?Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO Frank Fletcher, Communications Manager Karenza, and Operations Manager in Largs James chat about the last 12 months, what progress has been made on the Ambitions, and what the future has in store. These Ambitions help us keep track of how we are doing so we can keep learning and improving.  Most importantly, they put inspiring young people to believe in a brighter future at the heart of everything we do.Read the accompanying blog here: https://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/news/ambitions-23-25-year1 

Since Hana was diagnosed with cancer, since she came sailing with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, life has been a whirlwind. On this episode of Sound Waves, she talks about her passion for environmentalism and how her diagnosis made her think of the Earth's ill health too. In the last few years, she has been a voice of youth at international conferences, including the COPs.She tells us about the challenges of being diagnosed during her studies, how stays in hospital gave her time to research the climate crisis, and how the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust spurred her on to do even more for the planet's future. 

At the end of a trip, some young people talk to us about their week. We ask them about their time with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, how it's helped, what they'll take with them. Their words are all over our website, our social media, Inspire magazine, and everything we do. The voices of young people are essential in telling the story of the Trust. They are the reason for everything we do. This episode is just a small snippet of summer 2023, about community and feeling understood. This is what it's all about. Thank you to: IzzyShaheedEmilyDylanOmarGabby & MufaroSamJoe & LukeVictoriaSophie & ShellAnd everyone who told us their story this year. See you in 2024!

You might have seen that Dame Ellen MacArthur, our patron and founder, recently met up with a young woman called Maxine, who was part of the first ever Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust sailing adventure 20 years ago in 2003. She was just 10 at the time, and now she's reunited with Ellen ahead of her 31st birthday.This episode, in celebration of the Trust's 20th anniversary, is their conversation.It's wonderful to hear Maxine talk about the impact of a sailing adventure 20 years ago and how it's shaped her life ever since. Ellen also shares how and why the Trust was set up in 2003, and where the inspiration for the charity came from.The things we can do to support young people living through and beyond cancer now, today, can change the years and decades ahead of them. As Ellen says in this conversation with Maxine, this is what it's all about. 

Happy Pride month!It's important to understand how someone's cancer diagnosis intersects with their LGBTQ identity. Both are significant, both have their own communities, and there are bridges that can be built between the two. Three Trust graduate volunteers - Amelia, Ivans, Louise - share their experiences with cancer and being part of the LGBTQ community, and why taking people as they are entirely, as their genuine selves, matters so much.They also discuss being part of the Trust community and how essential safe and inclusive spaces are for people to feel a sense of acceptance, especially while living through and beyond cancer. 

Our ‘Build Belonging' Ambition says we will ‘be visible, relevant and accessible to every young person who has a cancer diagnosis in the UK and be somewhere every one feels they belong.' It is so important young people feel they belong when they come on a Trust adventure. But what does 'belonging' mean? It is hard to put your finger on. You know it when you feel it, and we seek it out in our lives. Lauren was supported by the Trust for a few years before going on to become a volunteer. She's been supported and now does the supporting; she's felt that belonging and sees it in others too. She shares what it looks like for her, why it matters, and how the Trust is currently getting it right. 

It's the Trust's 20th birthday in July. What better reason to sit down with CEO Frank Fletcher, who's been involved since day 1, and have a gab about the last 20 years. From supporting five young people in 2003, to over 700 in 2023, so much has happened, so much has changed, and we talk all about it here. It's the longest episode in Sound Waves history, yet it could have been ten times longer. There are so many stories to tell, and we sincerely hope you enjoy hearing about just some of them. 

Trip season is upon us! It goes without saying, but we cannot wait. In this episode, Luke and Heather reflect on their first-time trips, while looking forward to returning this summer for Round the Island Race. What difference have sailing trips made to their lives so far? Why do they want to come back for more? How does it feel being on the water with others who are 'in the same boat'? Whether you are looking for some pre-season hype, or you are coming along for the first time and want to feel reassured, Heather and Luke are here to share their memories and their excitement with you. Are you ready for our 2023 season? We are!

What we do and the difference we make aren't the same thing. Sailing is lovely, but at the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, we want young people to feel better at the end of their time with us than they did at the start. That's what impact is. Joining us in this episode are Omar and Jess. Omar came on his first four-day sailing adventure with the Trust last year, and he tells us about the impact he felt across that week and afterwards when he went back home. Jess has been with the Trust for some time, she was first supported 11 years ago, and has since become a volunteer and makes up part of the Trust's Youth Advisory Group. She has seen impact happen across years of supporting young people who have returned for multiple trips. Also joining us is Karenza, the Trust's communications manager. She has played a central role in making our 'Drive Impact' ambition come to life, and talks about how we plan on doing that to deliver better support for all young people. She also explains how our new impact dashboard works, which lets you see the impact we are having on young people in real time.  

It was a night to remember when Dame Ellen MacArthur launched 'Bigger Impact, Brighter Futures - Our Ambitions for 2023-2025' at the start of March. These Ambitions detail how we plan to reach, inspire, and support more young people than ever before over the next three years.In this episode you will hear from people who were there that evening and who couldn't be more excited about what the future of the Trust looks like. Head to https://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/ to read more about our Ambitions and discover the impact dashboard talked about in this episode. Featuring:- Founder and patron Dame Ellen MacArthur- Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO Frank Fletcher- Bhav, Isla and Emily, who recently became volunteers for the Trust having previously been supported by us- Rachel Kirby-Rider and Kate Collins, CEOs of Young Lives vs Cancer and Teenage Cancer Trust respectively- Chair of our Board of Trustees and paediatric oncologist at Birmingham Children's Hospital Dr Dave Hobin- Founder and Programme Leader at New Ways Letetia Gibson

When young people share their stories, they let others know that they're not alone in how they are feeling or what they are going through. That's why we speak to so many young people when they are here on trips: it's their voices that matter the most. This episode is made up of snippets from those conversations. It's about how young people feel, what they think, what they are looking for. Thank you to:CallumNicoleLucyRoisinCharlieGriffChrissyAmberKieranJohnSara 

The Trust aims to be open to everyone who is looking for support, and for some, that isn't a one-and-done thing. As young people feel more accepted, independent and optimistic, that might take place across their teenage years or into young adulthood. First up, 17-year-old Libby tells us about having been supported by the Trust since she was 10. She talks about why she keeps coming back and how her adventures with the Trust continue to provide her with what it is she needs and is looking for. Then Lucy, the Trust's Lead Return Trips Coordinator, gives an overview of why people come back, what the difference is between first time and return trips, what next year's new trips look like, and why young people not coming back is also fine too. Living through and beyond cancer takes time, changes shape, requires different things, and is completely unique to everyone. We want to be there for when we're needed, and what young people need is different year on year.

There are amazing people who donate to the Trust monthly. We call them Friends of the Trust. They provide long-term support to young people, which in turn leads to making a long-term difference to those young people's lives. We thought, wouldn't it be nice if a Friend of the Trust could sit down with someone who's benefitted from that long-term support, and who feels that Friends of the Trust have made a long-term difference to their life?So that's what you're about to hear. At the time of recording, Josh had been on three trips. Since then, he's completed his training to become a volunteer with the Trust. He spoke with Stuart, a Friend of the Trust who has been donating monthly since 2014. He is a generous person through and through and exceptionally good company. With this episode we hoped to communicate to Stuart the difference he was making, but we couldn't have imagined what the conversation turned out to be like. We hope you feel as privileged as we did to be part of this conversation, and that you enjoy the longest episode of Sound Waves yet. A shorter version of this conversation appears in this year's edition of the Trust's annual magazine, Inspire, which will be out in the next few weeks. 

This summer, our bases in Largs and East Cowes were buzzing with hundreds of young people on their first Trust adventures and those coming back for more. Others joined us elsewhere all across the UK. It was a summer to remember. CEO Frank Fletcher and skipper Becky sit down - in-person! - to have a chat about this wonderful time. They talk about best bits, the positive vibe, Frank explains more about the young people's questionnaire, and they celebrate the Trust community pulling together to make it all happen as we got #AllOnBoard.

It's here! Our season starts this Saturday!CEO Frank Fletcher joins the pod to give us an overview and introduction to the summer ahead.He talks about a few other things too: research the Trust has done to make sure it's having the best impact it possibly can; the three-way partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Lives vs Cancer; how he's feeling heading into this summer after the last few years.We're so grateful that hundreds of young people will spend time with the Trust over the coming months as we get #AllOnBoard. It's what the entire Trust community works towards all year round and we hope every young person coming along has a magical and inspiring time. 

Some young people really take to the sailing part of the Trust. That's what happened with Emily. Being registered blind has impacted her life, she says, but she deals with it by throwing herself into a whole load of activities to prove to everyone she can still do them.Emily recently completed her RYA Day Skipper course and will be joining the Trust for Round the Island Race this year.  Two of the Trust's skippers who helped Emily along the way join the conversation too. Andy was on Emily's most recent trip and spoke to her about going for her Day Skipper. Ruaraidh was on the same trip and it was at his London School of Sailing that she took the course. With Emily also hooked on dinghy sailing and training for Blind GB match racing, we just had to invite her on to talk about her achievements.Support her dad Ian as he takes on the Largs to Cowes Brighter Futures Cycle Challenge in June: https://largs-to-cowes.blackbaud-sites.com/ 

Ahead of the 2022 season starting later this month, we're taking it back to those first times, before you know what the Trust really is. You know there's sailing, hopefully you've seen some photos and videos, maybe you've even listened to this podcast.There are nerves too. It's four days away from home, it could be the first time staying somewhere else after having cancer, there could be worries about navigating the boat with an amputation.Dionne and Millie think back on their first trips (three years ago and twelve years ago, respectfully). They share similar stories of this wonderful, impactful, inspiring experience - with those nerves everyone else goes through as well! And it's not long 'til we do a whole load of first times all over again. We can't wait! 

We're so happy to welcome 2021's volunteer of the year to the pod - Juliet Sykes!After listening to this conversation, you'll know why she was nominated and won. She shares why she got involved with the Trust, what energy she brings to trips, what she's looking forward to in the season ahead, and, of course, her best bit, worst bit, and funniest bit so far. The way she talks about her volunteering experience really sums up why the Trust matters - to young people, volunteers, the whole Trust community. She is such a joy to spend time with! 

Over the last three episodes we've looked at what young people have told us they've felt after spending time with the Trust. Accepted. Independent. Optimistic. Everyone who joined us for those episodes shared what those feelings mean to them, and the impact rediscovering and rebuilding them has had on their lives, with the Trust's support.So in this episode Macy and Tom talk about what those feelings lead to. The brighter futures they inspire.They've been supported by the Trust, they've become volunteers themselves, and they both talk about that journey, from where they started to that brighter future which, for them, is now. 

We're continuing our run of episodes all about what young people say they feel after spending some time with the Trust. This time we're talking about feeling more optimistic.What optimism means is different for everyone, but it's because of optimism that we feel able to take part in things, believe we can do them, and picture a brighter future. This week we talk to Emily, Will, and Myla about how coming on trips after their diagnoses had a positive impact on their relationship with optimism. 

Continuing on from last week's episode all around the theme of feeling accepted, this time we're looking at what it means to feel more independent after spending some time with the Trust. ‘Independent' is another word we've been hearing when talking to young people and the wider Trust community about how they feel after a trip. Joining us to talk about that are Isla and Lucy. They both had cancer when they were very young, but as you'll hear, that doesn't mean the effects of it just go away when moving into adolescence and young adulthood. 

Over the last few years the Trust has done lots research with young people, families, hospitals, charity partners, the wider Trust community. This series is going to be about the difference and the brighter futures you have told us the Trust makes, and it's going to be brought to life by young people and their real-life experiences.Athena, Meg, and Leanna - who all sailed together in 2021! - join Sound Waves to talk about what feeling accepted means, and the difference it makes when you no longer feel like 'the only one'. That's a feeling we've been hearing about time and again, and they make clear why it's so important. 

The Trust isn't the only charity out there providing support to young people living through and beyond cancer, and that can only be a good thing. Young people benefit when we work together to provide what they need. That's the thinking behind the official three way partnership between ourselves, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Young Lives vs Cancer. Joining us this week are Laura Rohdich from Young Lives vs Cancer and Julie Gonzalez from Teenage Cancer Trust. They work directly with young people, they've come out with the Trust, and we talk about the benefits of working together.We're also joined by Jess Beedle, who's a part of the Trust's youth board and a graduate volunteer, and she's been supported by all three charities. This is just a very small part of a huge amount of teamwork and support that's going on, but hopefully this episode gives a bit of an introduction to how things are coming together.

Isla, Bhav and Holly know the difference the Trust makes. They've all been supported by the Trust, and they're also passionate about doing what they can to make sure every young person gets the same life-changing support.For Giving Tuesday, they shared their own experiences supporting the Trust in return. It can be daunting setting up a fundraising challenge and getting it off the ground. It doesn't matter if you've been doing it for a long time or you're thinking of your first time, it all helps inspire brighter futures in young people living through and beyond cancer. 

When young people come on a first time trip with the Trust, it's either in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight or Largs in Scotland. In this episode, we take a closer look at Largs. What should you expect when you come here? What are you going to see and feel?The Largs team were rounded up for the first ever in-person Sound Waves. James, Lorna, Hayley, and Scott talk about what young people can look forward to and the impact they've seen in Scotland, so whether you're coming sailing for the first time or returning for more, this is what you can expect from your time in Largs.  

This week we're taking a step back to look at the big picture: the development of the Trust community.Back in 2020, the Trust launched our Ambitions. One of these was to strengthen our frontline, which means "focusing on volunteer and skipper development and management to ensure all young people get the best outcomes possible from their trip.”In this episode we talk to Alex Guerandel, who skippered with the Trust for the first time this year. We talk to Avalon and Meyer, who were both supported by the Trust and completed their graduate volunteer training last month. They are part of that strengthening of the front line that will make the biggest impact to young people on trips, and here, they tell us all about it. 

After the unforeseen circumstances of last year, we were able to run activities this summer – we got back on board! It felt amazing having young people back at our bases, and new for this year, it was exciting taking the Trust to the young people as part of our Taste of the Trust programme. These days were new to everyone, so we thought it'd be good to start back with an episode talking to two young people who had a Taste of the Trust this year. Rachel and Kieran both took to the water from Southampton and we were grateful that they joined us again here to tell us what their day was like, and why they already can't wait to come back next year. 

We're so glad to have this year's recipient of the Luke Gilbert Volunteer of the Year award back on Sound Waves - Wen Stone! The Trust community put forward who they want to see honoured, and nominations for Wen just kept on coming in. We chat about what it was like to win, why she ended up getting so involved over the last year, and we reflect on the year itself and our hopes from here on out.There's also a bonus, entirely unplanned, post-podcast chat. Sound Waves is wrapping up for the time being, a year to the week after it launched. Wen and host Scott look back on the last twelve months, discuss favourite episodes, and talk about how the Trust now truly feels all year-round.

One of the most impactful parts of a Trust trip, if not the most impactful, is bringing young people together. It might be the first time they've met someone else their age who's been through what they've been through.That's the ethos behind Alike as well. A digital community for people with cancer by people with cancer, this week we're talking to its founder Brad, and one of its Trustees Rachel, who is also a long-time volunteer with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, having been supported herself after treatment. They talk about experiences with loneliness and isolation, how that led Brad to setting up Alike, and the difference it makes having a community around you.Alike: alike.org.uk

It's happening! After months (and months) of planning, we are so excited to share our hopes for summer 2021. Join Trust CEO Frank, Operations Managers James and Laura, and medical advisor and Trustee Dr Dave Hobin, as they take you through everything you need to know. What does the season look like, how did it come together, how will we make trips as safe as possible? All your questions and so much more are answered here.With any luck, we will be seeing you soon.Note: there are changes to this year's eligibility criteria. Frank invites people with questions or anyone who wants to discuss this further to contact volunteer@emcancertrust.org. 

This week we're talking about something we want everyone to know about, because it is one of the best ways for young people to have their voices heard among the massive Trust community: the Trust's Youth Board. The Youth Board is a group of young people who've been supported by the Trust in the past, and they're there to help and amplify the voices of young people and their families. That means ideas, questions, anything you might want to raise. They might not only be the right people to talk to, but also the most effective way of making things happen.Join Jess, Victoria, and chair of the youth board Dan as they share how young people are able to have their say, and we get to know a little more about them along the way!Contact the Youth Board at: youthboard@emcancertrust.org 

Following on from James and Krissi sharing their lived experience of overcoming barriers to education and employment last week, Professional Careers Consultant Emma Francis joins us to give her expert advice on what you can be doing right now that will stand you in good stead for the future.Emma is the Trust's parent Trustee, and her daughter has been supported by the Trust, so she has specific insight about the barriers a cancer diagnosis throws up for young people. She offers in-depth and eye-opening tips that are manageable even when times are hard, and reassures that no matter what anxieties you may have about your career right now, things will be okay.Emma wrote a blog for the Trust which can be found here.Her Careers Development Plan can be found here.The accompanying support guide can be found here.

As National Careers Week approaches, young people and professionals will be sharing their experience and insight about overcoming barriers to employment following cancer at a young age.James and Krissi were supported by the Trust before becoming volunteers and joining the Trust's Youth Board. They have both featured in the Trust's My Life Now series, which checks back in with young people to see where life has taken them. They talk about going from where they were to where they are now in their education and employment, and offer insight into what helped them along the way, as well as some insider knowledge about what employers are looking for.Part 2 will be released next week, featuring professional Careers Consultant and Trustee Emma Francis offering further insight and advice. 

Greg and Georgie have both been through cancer, they both have experience with brain tumours, and they recently stole the show on Grand Designs as they built their dream home together.The young couple met on a Trust trip ten years ago and, following on from their amazing Grand Designs episode, now seemed like the perfect time to check back in with them. From going through the struggles of treatment and raising awareness of brain tumours, to building a house and their epic engagement, we catch up with the couple at the heart of one of the loveliest hours of TV ever. G-W Enterprises: https://gw-enterprises.co.uk/about 

Today we're talking about vaccines. Specifically, the COVID-19 vaccines. They're in the news every day, we know the order in which different groups of people will receive them, but we can never have enough reassurance about how they've been made, how they work, and how they're administered.Frank Fletcher, the Trust's CEO, sets the scene, explaining why we're talking about this now. Dr Dave Hobin, Trustee and consultant paediatric oncologist, takes us through how the vaccines have been developed so quickly and covers some of the more common anxieties people have about receiving them. Anniela Etheridge, a senior clinical pharmacist, walks us through what you need to know in advance of your jab and what it's like once you're at the vaccination site. And Dan, a member of the Youth Board, has had his vaccine. He tells us what it was like and how he's doing.Why you have to wait for your COVID-19 vaccine: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-why-you-are-being-asked-to-wait/why-you-have-to-wait-for-your-covid-19-vaccine What to expect after your COVID-19 vaccination: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-what-to-expect-after-vaccination/what-to-expect-after-your-covid-19-vaccination

Young people, aged 13 and under, experience mental health as much as teenagers and adults. They may express it differently, they might not have the words to communicate how they're feeling, but it doesn't mean it's any less present.In this episode we talk about noticing ways under 13s display their mental health, what support there is out there, and the importance of listening, as part of Children's Mental Health Week.Joining us is Gavin Sterry, a mental health first aider and good friend of the Trust. His insights are eye-opening: from a cancer diagnosis to a national lockdown, a young person will be impacted by what's going on in their lives, no matter how young. Gavin signposts to a number of support services during the conversation, including:Childline - https://www.childline.org.uk/ Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/ Kooth - https://www.kooth.com/ Young Minds - https://youngminds.org.uk/ 

It's not every day you raise over £4.7m, but that's just what Lewis did when he was part of this year's Rickshaw Challenge for Children in Need. He returns to Sound Waves to talk about what it was all like, from having to cycle at home after someone in the crew contracted COVID-19, to bonding with his teammates over Zoom.Joining him is Pam, a regional grants officer at Children in Need and good friend of the Trust, who pulls back the curtain on how our invaluable partnership works. Holly from the Trust team joins too, whose role is linked with Children in Need's support. She's integral to piecing together everything needed to put young people in touch with the Trust so they can access the support they want and need. This is our final episode of 2020. Thank you so much to everyone who's checked out an episode and listened along since we launched Sound Waves in the spring. We'll be back in the new year. Until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

The Luke Gilbert Volunteer of the Year award was created to recognise when someone goes above and beyond to ensure young people in recovery from cancer have the support they need. The award was named for Luke Gilbert, a young man who sailed with the Trust while in recovery and who went on to become the kind of volunteer everyone loved and looked up to. It was set up in his name to remember him and his contributions, which will forever play a part in shaping the Trust as we continue to look to his example, embodying what it means to be an irreplaceable part of the Trust family.Joining host Scott this week are three of the four previous recipients of the Luke Gilbert Volunteer of the Year award, Paul, Rosa, and Alex. From the Trust team, Lorna joins them to give an overview of what volunteering has been like in 2020, and how things are shaping up for 2021. Rosie, who received the award for 2017, was unable to join the gang on this occasion, but we send out our love and look forward to her joining Sound Waves again in the future.While listening to their conversation, if you joined the Trust for any events this year or have listened to previous podcasts, keep in mind the volunteers you've come across in 2020. It would mean a lot to them if you put them forward for Volunteer of the Year, which you can do on the Trust's website here: https://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/volunteer-with-us/ 

Thank you. For making sure we were there to support young people throughout 2020. For ensuring we'll be there for them in 2021. For being there with us through the most difficult year the Trust has faced. Thank you.Host Scott is joined by Trust CEO Frank Fletcher, as well as Leanna, Morven, John, and Ed, who all planned to join us on trips this year. Instead, they were at the heart of the Trust's Virtual Summer, getting involved in all sorts of activities together while we were apart.It's down to your support that young people were still able to access the support they wanted this year. If you can pick up a Christmas gift from our online shop or take part in some festive fundraising, that will continue to make a massive difference. But things aren't easy at the moment, and we understand completely if you can't. What matters this Christmas is that we know you're with us. 

Following her treatment for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, Ellie became infertile and started living with the menopause. She tells Sound Waves how her friends were talking about boyfriends and periods while she felt 18 going on 80. Her experience had impacted her plans for a family and she was constantly exhausted.But she adapted. Ellie has since found all the right support and is in control of the track her life is on. From coming to terms with her infertility, to seeking out specialist knowledge of menopause symptoms - all the while reminding young people that romantic partners will love them and think they're amazing regardless of how their body functions - Ellie will keep on talking so others know they're not alone. 

Content warning: This episode contains references to hair loss, amputation, and weight fluctuations.This week, we're talking to Sarah. She was supported by the Trust while in recovery from osteosarcoma, a diagnosis which led to her leg being amputated when she was 16, along with other changes to her body. Now in her mid-20s, Sarah shares her story by giving talks to school pupils and other young people. Talking to Sound Waves, she tells of being a teenager who found these physical changes tough, to becoming someone with ownership over her relationship with her body. Along the way, she's taken part in lots of exciting opportunities, such as modelling for a high street clothing brand. We're grateful she shared her story with us here.

This past weekend saw World Mental Health Day. The day itself will mean lots of different things to different people, but what we've chosen to do is have a chat about what 2020 has been like, with a positive twist.Wen is a volunteer and was supported by the Trust when she was younger, and joined us on the first episode of Sound Waves earlier in the year. Jack has been supported by the Trust on a number of trips and was due to sit his volunteer training this year. Chatting with Wen and Jack, even though we wish for things to have been different, it felt good to take stock and be thankful. This conversation is us sitting down and noticing the ways in which we have looked after ourselves and each other, and will continue to do so. 

For a lot of people, their time with the Trust isn't a one-and-done. They return for more trips, then maybe they go on to become volunteers, constantly taking ownership of each new experience.They're able to take their relationship with the Trust into the future with them, as their lives change from one thing to another.This week we're joined by Charlotte and Alex, two young people who've gone on to become volunteers, and are at the beginning of careers in the medical sector. They tell us about that journey from being supported themselves to being the ones giving out that support, and how the professional and the personal come together. 

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month.What these awareness days, weeks, and months do is put into focus the specificities of lived experienced. We talked about sarcoma awareness back in season 2, and hearing George, Chloe, and Lewis talk about what that diagnosis had been like for them was illuminating.This week, we're talking to Holly and Thomas. Holly's been involved with the Trust since 2014 and became a volunteer last year, and Thomas came on his first trip last year. They talk about it where it all began for them, and where it's taken them since. No two experiences are alike, and this is a conversation with different discoveries and different kinds of personal support when dealing with blood cancer.As mentioned in the episode, here are some peer-reviewed scientific readings on:Sugar and cancerCannabis, cannabis oils, and cancer

We know recovery doesn't end when treatment does. Survivor's guilt can hang over a young person as they move forward with their lives, remembering their peers who passed away. And despite being a difficult and conflicting feeling, often it goes unshared and unsupported. Teenage Cancer Trust Nurse Consultant Sue Morgan MBE & Annie, who has sailed with the Trust, have given talks on survivor's guilt. They share with Sound Waves why it's important we all acknowledge it - young people and practitioners alike - to make sure no one is made to cope all on their own.  

With one of the strangest and toughest years on memory winding down, it is time to look to the future.2021.What might next year's season look like? How can we run activities while keeping them COVID secure? How can you keep up to date with all that's happening?Join Trust CEO Frank along with James and Laura, the Trust's operations managers for the north and the south, as they discuss the lay of the land. It's an exciting time, with so much potential. We're glad to have you aboard! 

The UK was in full lockdown the last time we talked about how people still can give their support to changing young lives. Now, we're starting to see some normality return. What was happening two months ago is no longer applicable, but all the same, who knows where we will be in two months' time?We've said it before and we'll keep saying it – once all of this is over, young people are going to need the Trust more than ever. We have to be here in 2021 and beyond to make sure those young people have access to what they need during their recovery.  There's no one way of giving those young people your backing. Simon tells us about fundraising from home. Tim, a rotarian, tells us about how he and his district will support the Trust after choosing us as one of their charities of the year. We hear about how spreading the word, directing people to our website, sharing our posts on social media – every little helps.So join us for the season two finale of Sound Waves as we pin down exactly what kind of support is possible right now while staying COVID safe. Let's get back out there!

In case you hadn't heard, let us let you in on a little secret: applications are now open for mates and medics. With this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes. You will know, if you've been on a Trust trip, that mates and medics help everything run smoothly. We want to open that up today. What do mates and medics really do? How do they feel when they're on trips? What makes a good medic and a good mate?If you're tempted to apply, this is the episode for you. But if you're nervous about coming on a trip for the first time, it's for you too. Hearing what the roles involve and the kind of people who take them on is really fantastic.Which is why we have Marion, a medic and a keen sailor, here to tell you about her experiences so far. We have James too, the Trust's operations manager for the north, who runs trips from the Largs base.Maybe you're not applying to be a mate or a medic, and maybe you've already been on a trip so you know what to expect as a young person. This episode offers a glimpse into what it's like from a perspective we don't get to hear often, and we hope you agree our amazing volunteers are essential to the magic that happens on every Trust trip. 

Last week was the Trust's 17th birthday! We've invited some guests on to Sound Waves for a celebration, and to have a wee gab about what's been going on since 2003...Joining host Scott this week is founder, patron, record breaker, and dame, Ellen MacArthur. Also, youth board member Sam reflects on nine years of involvement with the Trust, from where he started to where it's led him, to fatherhood and having sailing be a big part of his life. And Romy, who came on her first trip just last year, shares her experience with sailing in recovery so far and the excitement she has for all that's still ahead.Cheers to all the memories made these last 17 years, and here's to making many, many more! 

Almost ten years ago - to the day! - Izzy Ball came on her first Trust trip. She sailed from the Isle of Wight while in recovery from Hodgkin lymphoma. Every year since, she's made space for the Trust. She became a regular at residential trips as she returned to sail time and again. Then, when the time came, she became a volunteer, able to provide support from the perspective of someone who had been there herself.Alongside all this, she and her family have been dedicated fundraisers for the Trust (and our close partners CLIC Sargent). As well, she's graduated with a degree in teaching, having began her journey with the Trust before she even started secondary school.We hope you enjoy Izzy sharing her story. It's a fantastic insight into a long-term and ongoing relationship with the Trust and how that changes over the years. It's also eye-opening to hear about the different ways the Trust fits into people's lives as they grow and and bring something different with them every time. Cheers to ten years, Izzy. We can't wait for the next one.