Melton teenager Kayti takes on a new challenge after winning cancer battle

Kayti, from Melton, joined the crew of one of four yachts to sail around the Solent on the south coast of England in a four-day yachting adventure.

As reported by the Melton Times, the brave 17-year-old finished cancer treatment in March 2015 following 10 weeks of revolutionary proton beam therapy in the United States, after a tumour was discovered behind her nose.

Sailing onboard 42-48 foot cruising yachts, the trust trips provide a chance for the young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment, encouraging them to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking.

Kayti said: “It’s been good to meet other girls of roughly the same age and be able to talk about what we’ve all been through.”

She added: “It’s been good to find out that I can do much more than I thought I could.”

Departing from their south coast base in East Cowes Marina on the Isle of Wight, the trip navigated the waters of the Solent, which took them to various stopovers including Yarmouth Harbour and the picturesque bay of Newtown Creek for a barbecue. They then put their new skills to the test cruised back to Cowes.

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.

Dame Ellen, who often spends a day on trips, said: “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.”