We are The Christie magazine Oct 2025

When 20-year-old Mercy Osarekhoe noticed a lump on her neck in 2024, she never imagined it would lead to a life-changing diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. Having moved from Madrid to Manchester to study accounting and finance at Manchester Metropolitan University, Mercy faced a sudden disruption as her health took priority.

She began chemotherapy at The Christie shortly before Christmas 2024, followed by a course of radiotherapy in spring 2025. She was cared for by specialist staff in The Christie’s teenage and young adult unit, who took time to explain things and offered reassurance. Because her family live in Spain, Mercy was grateful that her mum was able to fly over for each round of chemotherapy.

Mercy Osarekhoe Now, having experienced sailing, friendship, laughter, and the joy of feeling like herself again, Mercy wants to encourage others in a similar situation to take part if the opportunity arises. “Everyone’s in the same boat, literally. You make friends quickly." Three boats set sail from Largs Marina near Glasgow. Mercy was on one of the boats with four other young people, accompanied by three crew, spending three nights aboard.Reflecting on her first time on a boat. “I learned how to sail, met amazing people, and felt like I could just be myself again, without everything being about illness or treatment.” Initially nervous, especially as she’s not a confident swimmer and had fears about being at sea, Mercy reflects: “I’m delighted I did it. It gave me a sense of achievement and made me feel more confident again. The sailing trip offered something I hadn’t realised I needed, a space to feel normal again. It was refreshing to be around people my age who’d been through something similar. We didn’t need to explain ourselves; everyone just got it.”

Now recovering, Mercy is awaiting follow-up scans to confirm whether the cancer is gone and has been doing university exams over the summer to catch up, while working part-time. During July, Mercy joined a sailing trip in Scotland, organised by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, a charity offering young people aged 8 to 24

I think cancer makes you appreciate everything more. Just the fact that I could go on the trip felt like something to be thankful for.

the chance to rediscover independence, confidence, and a brighter future through outdoor adventures

and sailing. She was one of three patients from

The Christie on the trip.

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