TWO teenagers recovering from cancer have made a confidence-boosting sailing trip - thanks to a charity backed by world famous yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur.

Alex Anstess, 18, of Bingley, and Arif Nasir, 18, of Cottingley, took part in an inspirational adventure with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, along with 17 other young people in recovery from cancer.

Alex and Arif joined the crew of a yacht to sail on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland and spent four days on the open wave.

Alex underwent a bone marrow transplant at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) in September last year as part of his treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia and this was his first time sailing with the Trust.

"This trip has taught me to be more confident when speaking about my previous illness," he said.

"At first I was nervous, but once I met the other young people, I knew there was nothing to be nervous about."

Sailing onboard 42ft to 48ft cruising yachts, the Trust's 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.

Arif, who is undergoing maintenance treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at LGI, told how he came to be on the trip thanks to a chat with a fellow patient.

He said: "A person from my ward recommended this trip to me as something that I might be interested in.

"I decided to come because I thought it would be cool to meet people who had been through the same experiences as me.

"I'll definitely take a lot away from this trip. I learned so much and met some amazing friends."

The Trust fleet made made stopovers, including Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute and the National Sailing Centre at Great Cumbrae, giving the young people the opportunity to test their new skills on the water.

Formed 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 tries to spend a day on as many trips as possible, 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."