Sound Waves

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. 

Did you know it's Sarcoma Awareness Month?

What do you know about sarcoma?

Joining host Scott this week are George Paxford, Lewis Aldersley, and Chloe Parsons. George and Chloe were supported by the Trust as young people and have since become Trust volunteers. Lewis sailed on his first trip with the Trust last summer. 

George, Lewis, and Chloe have experienced sarcoma in their lives and join us on Sound Waves this week to talk about what it means to raise awareness. As well, they share what they wish they'd known when they were diagnosed, and talk about how their times with the Trust have affected their attitudes towards their post-treatment lives. 

We hope this episode contributes to raising the awareness of sarcoma, its signs and the need for further research, and also reassures young people going through sarcoma that there are others who understand, who have been there, and that they are not alone.

And we're back!

Welcome to season 2 of Sound Waves, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust's official podcast.

Our season premiere coincides with the launch of the Trust's Virtual Summer, our programme of activities for the 2020 season. From making the 'hardest decision in the Trust's history' just a number of weeks ago when we decided to cancel all our trips for the year, to packing the next few months full of events for young people to access fun, support, and advice, we're all super excited to share what's in store.

There's a celebratory feel in the air as host Scott is joined by CEO Frank Fletcher, Youth Board member Krissi Cartwright Riley, and Ellie Mae and her mum Nikki. Ellie Mae is 12 years old and has been on four Trust trips, and has been a familiar face on Trust Tuesday hangouts over the last little while.

The gang talk about how the Virtual Summer came together, what everyone is looking forward to, and how young people in recovery need support now more than ever with the world still coping with the effects of the coronavirus. 

So come aboard - we can't wait to see you!

[Intro & outro music by Beth Black]

As the Trust prepares to launch its summer activities for 2020, we talk to Dr Dave Hobin, Trustee and medical advisor to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, about why young people need our support now more than ever.

As consultant paediatric oncologist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Dave has been on the front lines over the last few months. He’s also the chair of TYAC, which is the UK’s professional association for those involved in the treatment, care and support of teenagers and young adults with cancer.

He chats to Scott about how cancer treatment has adapted since the start of the pandemic and how lockdown has affected young people in recovery.  

Sound Waves will return in a few weeks for its second season. Thank you to everyone who has listened and shown their support since it began at the end of April! 

[Intro and outro music by Beth Black]

Without our volunteers, the Trust wouldn't be where it is today. They come from all over, bring an array of life experience to the role, and are at the heart of spreading that Trust magic.

Even though our 2020 looks very different to how we imagined, our volunteers are as important as always. We want to support them through this time as well as young people. The training they receive has moved online, delivered through webinars. Volunteers are a huge part of the programme of activities the Trust is delivering in 2020, both as hosts and participants. 

Joining Scott this week are Alex, Rosa, and Bill, three volunteers who all came to be with the Trust in different ways. They tell us about their experiences and why it is they do what they do. 

So join us in celebrating them, celebrating our volunteers, and celebrating Volunteers' Week!

Coronavirus has been devastating for charities' incomes. Not only are massive fundraising events no longer taking place, but individuals aren't as able to raise money themselves either. And yet for charities to survive this time, they need to keep their fundraising efforts up.

This week host Scott is joined by the Trust's Fundraising Manager Lindsay, Trust Youth Board member Danni, and fundraiser and volunteer Derrick who's son Rafe sailed with the Trust. The gang chat about the state of the Trust's fundraising for 2020, look to the future, and share general tips and tricks for fundraising ideas of your own. As well, Danni and Derrick share some incredible success stories from their time fundraising.

[And we have exciting new intro and outro music provided by Beth Black]

Mental health awareness week is a chance for everyone to check in with their own wellbeing. It's especially important with the world as it is at the moment. 

People often forget about the mental impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a young person too. Physical treatment continues to improve, but the long-term effects of going through chemotherapy, missing out on important parts of life, can last long after treatment ends. It's so important that there is support in place for these young people to voice their worries, to feel encouraged to express themselves, and to know that it's okay to not feel great all the time. 

Joining Scott this week are Macy, a volunteer who also experienced the Trust as a young person, Richard, a familiar face to many in the Trust as a much beloved skipper, and Susie, a mental health first aid instructor who has worked with the Trust staff in the past. 

CEO Frank Fletcher provides an update on new changes to the 2020 season. The health and wellbeing of young people in recovery from cancer, as well as ensuring we put no further pressure on to the NHS or our close partner charities has meant taking the hardest decision in the Trust's history.