Dame Ellen’s personal tribute to boy who beat cancer

George, 15, was labelled an “inspiration” by Dame Ellen, after they finished the Round the Island Race, a reknowned boating event at the Isle of Wight.

George was one of 25 youngsters taking part in the 53-mile race in aid of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

Dame Ellen saluted the courage of the Sheldon School student, who not only had cancer himself but also lost his twin sister Emily to the disease last year.

After the race, Dame Ellen said: “George is an amazing young person. Along with the others, he is the epitome of courage.

“To go through what he has done and have the smile that he has is just absolutely extraordinary.

“George is an inspiration. We just wanted him to have a good time and gain some confidence and enjoyment from it.

“The young people all understand sailing to some degree and all have done it before.

“Some come back because they love sailing, some come back because they want to see some of their friends, and some want to catch up with people who have been through similar illnesses.

“There is the most incredible bond formed on the boat.

“These young people have all been through similar experiences so they just understand each other and that happens so rarely in their lives.”

George contracted osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, in his left leg five years ago.

His sister Emily was diagnosed with a brain tumour and died in February 2011.

George took part in the Round the Island Race last year and said he loved his second attempt.

He said: “I had a lot of fun and it was a really enjoyable experience.

“Sailing is a sport I find enjoyable because you can work as a team and there is always a purpose to it.

“It is very clever how the boats are designed and also with this race how anyone can race anyone in different types of boats.

“I would love to get more experience of sailing and it is something I would like to continue doing when I am older.”