A POOLE youngster who is in recovery from cancer joined a sailing adventure with round the world yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur.

Rosie Bradshaw, 12, of Broadstone, finished treatment for Burkitt’s lymphoma at Southampton General Hospital in 2005.

She was among a group of 16 cancer survivors ranging in age from nine to 17 invited to join the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust trip, sailing around the Solent in four yachts.

Rosie, who was joined by four other youngsters aboard the boat Whisper, said: “I’ve been sailing before but never on a big boat.

“It was different from how I expected it would be. I loved all of it.

“The sailing, the water fights, the barbecues, meeting Ellen was all great.

“I’m taking away a lot of good memories and some new friends.

“I didn’t think I was going to be able to talk about my experiences, but I really opened up.”

The aim of the charity is give young people of eight to 24 who are in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing.

After the initial trip, the trust invites them back every year to take part in other sailing events until they are 18, then those who are interested can train as volunteers.

Dame Ellen, who joined the youngsters for a tour of Yarmouth lifeboat on the Isle of Wight, said: “These young people are truly amazing.

“They face experiences that no child should ever have to go through, yet they do it with the biggest smile on their faces. They are truly inspiring.”