A REDDITCH man will help support young people from across the UK to rebuild their confidence after cancer after landing a key role with the charity founded by record-breaking yachtswoman, Dame Ellen MacArthur.

James Hall, 28, has been appointed the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s operations manager for the North.

James, who attended Studley High School, will manage all the trust’s operational activities in Scotland and the north of England from its base in Largs on Scotland’s west coast.

His career in sailing took off after he started working as an instructor with disadvantaged young people at the former Youth Afloat at Arrow Valley in Redditch.

Launched in 2003, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a national charity that supports young people aged 8-24 in recovery from cancer.

James will oversee two different sailing programmes - designed to help young people build confidence by making friends with others who have been through similar.

"As young people who are already going through ups and downs, after a cancer diagnosis has hit them, it’s incredibly important to get them back trusting themselves and trusting their body," he said.

“Going out on a boat is a great way to do that because they see what they are capable of, and have a good time while they’re doing it.

"I don’t think it can be underestimated how beneficial that is."

He added: "I really like seeing young people have the recognition that they’ve achieved something. That’s the warm fuzzy feeling."

After the closure of Youth Afloat, James worked in Greece, then Southampton before turning freelance.

He has been with the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland since March 2016.

James officially takes over the helm in September.

Frank Fletcher, from the charity, said: “We welcome James. There were some outstanding candidates, but James stood out for his enthusiasm, professionalism and obvious desire to make a difference to the lives of even more young people who are in recovery from cancer."