TWO teenage cancer survivors from York have taken part in a sailing trip with a national charity.

Alice Barfield and Jodi Stonehouse, both 15, joined more than a dozen young people who are recovering from cancer on the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust sailing trip on the First of Clyde in Scotland.

Launched in 2003, the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing, and now takes young people aged between eight and 24 who are recovering from cancer on four-day sailing trips onboard 42-48 foot cruising yachts.

Alice finished cancer treatment in February 2014 for Osteosarcoma at Leeds General Infirmary, and this was her first time sailing with the Trust.

She said: "Before I got here I was a little nervous. I tried not to have too many expectations but as soon as I got here it was fantastic.

"I've enjoyed every minute of it. The sailing was my favourite bit of the trip. I winched one of the head sails all by myself. Even though my arms are aching like mad now, I am glad I did it, I've had so much fun."

Jodi is due to complete maintenance treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in May 2016 at Leeds General Infirmary, and this was also her first time sailing with the Trust.

She said: "I've never been sailing before but I found out about the trip through the Teenage Cancer Trust. It's been good meeting so many new people.

"I've realised that you don't have to feel scared about it. To anyone thinking of going on this trip, I would say that you should definitely come along. Once you are here it is so much fun."

To support the Trust go to ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org