Survivor Callum’s fab week of fun

A YOUNG cancer survivor from Oldham is in for a week of adventure thanks to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

Callum Brooks (11) was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a form of white blood cell cancer, in 2002.

After being treated at Pendlebury Hospital, Callum began his recovery and is now fighting fit for a week of fun.

Now Callum, who attended Yew Tree Primary School, has descended on Essex with other youngsters in recovery from serious illnesses for a week to remember.

He’ll gain a Royal Yachting Association dinghy sailing qualification by the end of the week as well as trying out cycling, archery, kite flying and canoeing.

Before he set-off, Callum, from Chadderton, said: “I am really looking forward to meeting new people and working at a team.”

It is the second time the energetic young Oldham lad has benefited from the trust.

Last year he took to the high seas for a four-day yacht trip from the Isle of Wight.

During this year’s trip he was due to meet record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur. In praise of their bravery she said: “These children are truly amazing.

“They face experiences that no child should ever have to go through, and yet they do it with the biggest smile on their faces, they are truly inspiring.”

Locals can also become a friend of the trust and help them to continue their work by visiting www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org