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Cancer sufferers' round-Britain voyage
Sailing superstar Dame Ellen MacArthur landed in Portsmouth on the first leg of a round-Britain trip for young cancer sufferers.
Alongside her was local teenager Harriet Wills who is among 85 youngsters taking part in the 2,000-mile trip.
Dame Ellen and the cancer survivors, including Harriet, arrived at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, on Sunday evening.
From there Dame Ellen left the group, who set sail yesterday, and she will be joining up with them again this week.
Harriet, 15, from Bursledon, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1999 and sailed with the Trust during her recovery, said: 'It's been really good so far.
'It's really inspirational to be with someone that has gone out and done all these amazing things.'
Harriet is on the first leg of the journey and she will be on board for a week before getting off at Dover.
'It's just been great to meet Ellen,' she said.
'She is my hero and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the week, I just hope we get really good weather.'
The voyage has been organised by the Ellen MacArthur Trust, which takes young people aged from eight to 18 sailing to help them regain confidence on their way to recovery from cancer, leukaemia and other serious illness.
Dame Ellen, who sailed into the record books in February 2005 by becoming the fastest person to sail around the world alone, said: 'It's strange to think that they find me inspirational because I find them hugely inspirational.
'They are absolutely incredible. They have faced challenges far greater than anything I have faced and they have done it with smiles on their faces.
'If I can help them in any way it's great.'
The four-month journey will give those on board the chance to return to the paediatric oncology wards of the hospitals they were treated in and share their experiences with those undergoing treatment for cancer.
Dame Ellen said: 'I'm just looking forward to sailing with the kids.
'They are amazing people and it's really moving and inspirational to see.'
The voyage is being skippered by South African Cath Vise, who is based in Hamble.
>>> You can follow the progress of the four month voyage online at roundbritain.org where a Geovoile interactive tracking map will update the boat's position every hour. It will finish in Cowes, Isle of Wight, on September 13.
>>> You can also support the charitable Ellen MacArthur Trust by donating 10 and 'buying a mile' of the Voyage. Donations can be made online by visiting roundbritain.org or by calling 0870 0636774.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -4 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
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