A YOUNGSTER recovering from cancer took to the sea on an adventure of a lifetime.

Ten-year-old Dillon Croud, from Westcliff, was invited to take part in a sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust alongside other children and teenagers who are on their way to getting the all-clear.

Dillon finished treatment for clear cell sarcoma at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital in April 2013.

He said: “Before the trip I felt nervous, but it was really fun. My favourite parts were having water fights and going on the speed boats – we went really fast.

“I learnt various skills from the trip including how to tie knots and sail, and gained an insight into what it’s like living on a boat.

“It was very fun to spend time with the other young people on the trip. I made friends and I really enjoyed it.”

Sailing on-board 42 to 48ft cruising yachts, the trips organised by the trust provide a chance for the young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment.

They are encouraged to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking.

Departing from their south coast base in East Cowes Marina, on the Isle of Wight, the trip navigated the waters of the Solent.

The group stopped at Yarmouth Harbour and the picturesque bay of Newtown Creek for a barbecue.

They then put their new skills to the test cruising back to Cowes.

Charity founder Dame Ellen MacArthur, who tries to spend a day on as many trips as possible, added: “The mental and social fall-out from cancer can be just as devastating as the physical illness.

“Everything we do is about building confidence, self-esteem and having fun together.”

Launched in 2003, the trust is aimed at giving young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing.

For more information, visit ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org