BEN Baldry, 17, from Ivybridge completed the 50 nautical mile Round the Island Race, circumnavigating the Isle of Wight with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust on Saturday, July 2.

Ben, who finished cancer treatment in August 2012 for high grade glioma of left basal ganglia at Derriford Hospital, was one of 24 young people from across the UK sailing on board the trust’s five yachts taking part in the race in what were considered challenging conditions on the water.

Joined by five other young people on board the yacht Wight Orca, Ben said: ‘I’ve done this twice before. Each time I come it’s great, I make new friends, build my confidence and learn a lot about how to sail.’

Wight Orca and her crew completed the race in a corrected time of 9 hours, 33 minutes and 45 seconds.

Ben continued: ‘It was all really good fun, every single part, but the best bit was definitely coming across the finish line!’

Now in its 85th year, the race regularly attracts more than 1,500 boats and 16,000 people who sail the 50 nautical mile course around the Isle of Wight.

As the official charity since 2007, the trust has raised over £200,000 to date through the race.

Founder of the trust and successful solo yachtswoman, Dame Ellen MacArthur, also took part in the race onboard Moonspray. She commented: ‘Today has been an amazing day on so many fronts; we have 24 young people who have had an absolutely fantastic Round the Island Race. It was windy, it was challenging, but we had bright sunshine all the way around and they really, really, enjoyed it.’

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. In its 13th year, the trust has grown beyond every expectation into a national charity, working with every young person principal treatment centre and a growing number of designated units in the UK.

In addition to the annual Round the Island Race event, the trust runs trips for young people in recovery from cancer throughout the summer. Sailing on board 42-48 foot cruising yachts, the trips provide a chance for the young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment. During the four day trips, the young people, aged 8-24, are encouraged to work as a team and to get involved in every aspect of being on board, from helming the boat to cooking.

Find out how you can support the trust and help to make a real difference to young people’s live by visiting the website www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org.