Young Adult Ambassadors are an integral part of Trekstock. They lend their voices to help us to raise awareness and are passionate about helping us change the future for those affected by cancer in their 20s and 30s.

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Ellen

Ellen was diagnosed with an acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) at the age of 9 and relapsed at 12. "The long term effects of cancer can be devastating and although I am years post my diagnosis, I am still living with the effects of having cancer and it’s treatment, daily. The reality of how my life has changed and the fact that I’m on a completely different path to where I was before my diagnosis is heartbreaking, and it has definitely taken time to come to terms with.

There’s a huge emphasis that once treatment finishes your life returns to “normal”. For many of us, this isn’t the case and it can be tough having to adapt to a new way of life. 

I am so excited to raise awareness with Trekstock, to support other young adults who like me are finding this new way of life a challenge." Read more about Ellen's experience here.

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Sean

Sean was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma six years ago at the age of 28. He had just taken the plunge into being self-employed as a personal trainer and was at the height of fitness, training everyday, sometimes twice. To say that his diagnosis came as a shock would be an understatement!

"At first, I didn't know what to do for support but a friend recommended Trekstock to me and I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did and thankful to all the team at the charity and those I've met at the awesome Trekstock events. I'm really happy to be a part of a community that cares for people going through something that no young person should have to experience alone and couldn't be prouder to be an ambassador for this fantastic charity.

As an ambassador, I will continue to spread the word about Trekstock to all who need the help so that no young adult living with cancer is left unsupported."

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Carly 

Carly was 35 when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and has been a Champion of Trekstock for years and has done some amazing fundraising for us too.

"I’m not sure how I discovered Trekstock, but it was pretty early after surgery and during the time I was having chemotherapy.

For me, it provided an opportunity to connect with other people my age going through similar experiences which helped me to feel I wasn’t alone as most of the other patients I encountered were a lot older. The charity provided me access to resources that I could tap into whenever I felt the need or had the energy such as the Headspace app, online talks, and dietary advice."

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Natalie 

Natalie was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2012, at the age of 25. She's been a part of Trekstock for many years, and her and her husband have done some incredible fundraising for us over the years.

"After the initial whirlwind of my diagnosis and treatment, I had an overwhelming feeling of isolation. I wasn’t back at work yet, and none of my friends or family could truly understand how I was feeling, or how to talk to me about it. Finding Trekstock was like finding a beacon of light in the darkness! I instantly felt less alone and became part of a network of amazing people, all a similar age to me, and all wanting to find that sense of community and support that I was missing. Trekstock really helped me to find my feet and move forward, and I’m really excited for the opportunity to help create that opportunity for other young cancer survivors." Read more about Natalie's experience here.

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Joe

Joe Fernandez is 36 and a survivor of testicular cancer. In 2018, he was diagnosed with Stage 2 testicular cancer and experienced 3 cycles of carboplatin chemo and an orchidectomy to remove one testicle.

True to his profession – a former journalist turned PR manager, Joe is keen to raise awareness of cancer and has penned blogs for many communities, detailing his journey & the challenges for thriving thereafter.

"It's great to be able to share experiences and have frank discussions with other young people who have been through what you have. Often it's the best motivation and inspiration different from your elders and nearest & dearest. I look forward to helping Trekstockers on their journey as one of the Young Adult Ambassadors 2021. Fingers crossed for plenty of face-to-face adventures in a new era!" Read more about Joe's experience here. 

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Carolina 

Carolina was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at 30. After finishing her treatment, at the end of 2018, she struggled with fatigue and wanted to regain the strength she'd lost during treatment. She's since completed our RENEW exercise programme and attended many of our events including Meet & Move.

"My life was put on hold until I finished treatment and found Trekstock's Community. Trekstock has massively helped me to get out of my cancer shell and get back to normality through exercise, knowledge, support, and by giving me access to a great community. During the first lockdown, I took part in the RENEW exercise programme, a 6-week coaching programme, and joined online meet-ups. All these activities were fundamental to keeping my mental health in check, and for that, I am eternally grateful to Trekstock and its incredible community. I have participated in literally every event that Trekstock offers, and one thing that I can say is that I always felt welcome and encouraged to come back. I always felt like I belonged to the community and felt safe and in a protected environment.

This community means everything to me as I now have a new perspective of life, and thanks to Trekstock, I can connect with others that get what I went through. I think it is essential for young adults like me to have a network of support with others in the same situation to get more understanding and confidence on overcoming the diagnosis. And in the same way, it allows me to help others that are starting their cancer journey and give them hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel." Read more about Carolina's experience here.

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Lauren 

Lauren was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31 and has been fundraising for Trekstock for many years through her incredible enterprise GirlvsCancer

"Trekstock were a lifeline to me from the point of diagnosis and being able to give back to this incredible charity via Ambassadorship is such an honour!

I hope to support young adults on the mental health struggles and often crisis of identity that a cancer diagnosis can encourage - whether it's relationships, work or lifestyle." Read more about Lauren's amazing GirlvsCancerhere.

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Nicky 

Nicky was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at the age of 30 and co-founded Secondary Sisters with Laura Hughes. Sadly in September 2023, Nicky died. She inspired us with her infectious energy and her smile that lit up the room.

As one of our Young Adult Ambassadors, she was always there for others and shared her story with courage and honesty. We're so grateful for her incredible efforts to raise awareness and support for others in the cancer community.

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Sarah 

Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33.She has been a part of Trekstock for a few years and has cycled, walked to raise funds, raised awareness and attended our events

"I’m proud to be an Ambassador for Trekstock, they feel like home to me as they were one of the first charities I contacted at the start of my cancer journey. I felt they really understood and they pointed me in the right direction when I was feeling lost it helped so much to have a ‘base’ and a group of people that understood what it was like to be a young adult with cancer. Being an Ambassador for Trekstock is an opportunity for me to give back as they were a big part and still are of my journey. Trekstock really understands and gives you the opportunity to connect with so many others. Cancer taught me a lot, and one thing it did was learn to get in the kitchen and to fuel my body the best I could, I have such a great interest in nutrition and exercise." Read more about Sarah's experience here.

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Olivia 

Olivia was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 21.

"I am incredibly passionate that everyone should feel confident through a cancer diagnosis, so I feel beyond proud that I can use my role as a Trekstock Ambassador to help others achieve this. The work Trekstock did to ensure I felt connected to young adults with cancer through my own treatment was irreplaceable, so I am honoured to be a part of ensuring that is the case for other people like myself." Read more about Olivia's Cancer Chicks x Trekstock partnership here.

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Georgie 

Georgie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 26 and relapsed in 2019.

She's come along to our events, shouted about us and taken on challenges along the way too. 

"Being diagnosed with cancer in your 20’s can be pretty daunting but feeling like you’re going it alone is much worse. Finding Trekstock has been integral for me in completing my treatment with a smile on my face. It’s thanks to Trekstock that I have had the support both mentally and physically I needed to cope and they connected me with amazing individuals who just ‘get it.’ 

The beauty of Trekstock is it isn’t one size fits all, there are so many different areas of support they offer and you are able to take whichever parts you need to help you feel whole again. I am honoured to be a part of raising awareness to help others feel whole again." Read more about Georgie's experience here

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Alice 

Alice was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 26 and has over the years connected young adults living with and beyond cancer together in Southampton.

“It is really great to be a Young Adult Ambassador. When I originally joined Trekstock, meeting people in the Trekstock Network helped my post-diagnosis confidence. To help in the same way, I became a Trekstock Champion where the best bits are sharing enjoyable places and activities with others. Honestly - a lot of the time cancer doesn’t even get a look in.

Knowing the ongoing struggles of having or having had cancer, it is awesome to have the opportunity as an Ambassador to be involved with developing support for young adults with cancer.”Read more about Alice's experience here

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Ben 

Ben lives in Manchester and was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 19. He is now over 2 years post-treatment, has attended a number of Trekstock events, and has also taken part in our online Renew exercise programme.

"Since my own cancer diagnosis, treatment and journey through remission I found it difficult to find a group of people that “get it,” until I joined a Trekstock meet and move event. Once I had been to that, I realised I had found that group. Since that point, I have wanted to give back to the young adult cancer community, knowing how difficult it can be to go through something so tough at such a young age. I hope that I can use my platform as a Young Adult Ambassador to support everybody that I can during their cancer journey, and make a positive difference to them in any way possible, no matter how small.” Read more about Ben's experience here.

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Yamour

Yamour was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 21. She's attended events and is helping us rise awareness of the inequalities in cancer. 

I just graduated from studying Psychology, working 3 different jobs during my studies and making time for the gym every day. I was stepping up the ladder of being a young entrepreneur at 21 owning my own real estate Franchise recognised worldwide. There were no signs/symptoms shivering my spine, but I felt fatigued, lethargic and confused all the time. I lost my vision for a whole 10 minutes whilst boarding a flight from New York to London, and I thought this was because of my microphthalmia, I thought it began affecting my vision and I was going to become blind for the rest of my life.  I did visit A&E but of course I was young and healthy, nothing was ever going to be wrong, right? 

February 2016, I was at a circumcision party swiftly dancing to the music, unknowing of what was going to happen. My eyes went blind, and I found myself in an ambulance being taken to the hospital. Diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with CNS involvement. The dreaded C-word was casually flowing out of my oncologists’ mouth and I was to deal with the things yet to come.  

"Trekstock played a big part in my remission life, through Trekstock I was able to talk to people who have experienced similar events as I had. I was able to talk to people who understood me, and I was given a platform to voice my own mind, especially when the people around me had NO clue of the effects of this disease. I have been part of Trekstock’s fundraising events and made lifelong memories and I am grateful to be a Young Adult Ambassador for this charity!" 

Read more of Yamour's experience here.

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Af 

Af was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer when he was 29 years old.