A YOUNG Rosyth boy rocked by a cancer battle had his confidence restored after testing himself on Scottish waters.

Ben Harnwell, 10, took part in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, along with a number of young people in recovery from the disease. 

The youngster joined the crew of one of the yachts to brave the waves on the Firth of Clyde and enjoyed the four-day adventure so much he’s now thinking about living on a boat.

Ben said: “It has been really fun getting to know everyone and I would love to come on this trip again. 

“It’s given me confidence that I am able to do quite a lot more than I thought I could.”

The Camdean Primary School pupil finished his treatment in September 2014 for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

His mum, Michelle, is delighted her son enjoyed the trip and found a new passion.

She said: “Ben has come home from the trip with a new-found confidence and a new set of skills. He didn’t want to come home! 

“He loved the trip so much and it has ignited a passion for sailing and we are all very keen to keep this passion going. 

“He has even said he now wants to live on a boat when he is older,” she added.

The delighted mother also said that Ben’s rekindled confidence also means he will be re-joining his local theatre group this month.

Launched 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 trips on cruising yachts.

It gives those aged between eight and 24 the opportunity to test themselves in a safe environment, encouraging them to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking.

Dame Ellen, who tries to spend a day on as many trips as possible, added: “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.”