AN 11-YEAR-OLD girl from Dorchester who was diagnosed with a rare type of eye cancer as a toddler has spoken about how the pandemic impacted her mental health.
Sophie Williams was was 18 months old when she was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare type of eye cancer that meant she needed a lifesaving operation which resulted in removing her right eye.
The support of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has helped build her confidence enormously over the years, but she said that as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, she lost confidence.
READ MORE: Weymouth man diagnosed with rare cancer at aged 14 felt 'abandoned' by his friends
Sophie said: “I was very young when I lost my eye, I can’t really remember it, only the bandage around my head.
"It’s more difficult for me now that I’m older, I feel different, and that people are looking at me.
"I lost my confidence away from my friends and I became shy when I wasn’t with them - I didn’t want to join in."
In mid-August, Sophie was taken to a five-day expedition at Water Park Lakeland Adventure centre in the Lake District with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, which involved gorge walking, high ropes, and wind surfing.
"It’s been cool to see everyone again and it’s helped me overcome my fears," she said.
"The charity has made such a difference to my life. This trip built my confidence in heights, because I’m scared of them, but I did the high ropes and tried lots of new things."
A spokeswoman from the charity, said: "The isolation, loneliness and anxiety experienced by young people with cancer has been massively amplified by Covid and lockdown."
The charity inspires young people aged between eight and 24 to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.
For many young people, picking up where they left off before their diagnosis isn’t possible. So, when treatment ends - the Trust’s work begins.
Sophie first sailed with the Trust in 2018.
She said: "Through the Trust’s sailing and outdoor activities, young people meet others who have had similar experiences - often for the first time, rediscover independence away from home, experience an increased sense of purpose and self-worth, and begin to realise what they are capable of again. Most importantly they stop feeling like the 'only one'.
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was founded by the record-breaking round-the-world yachtswoman in 2003. It is there for anyone who is struggling or could simply do with support.
For more, visit: www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel