Young Lives vs Cancer

Only one month to go until the #LondonMarathon. 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce that footballer Leonardo Bonucci, boxing trainer Shane McGuigan, and actor Callie Cooke have joined our team to run and fundraise for Young Lives vs Cancer. Leonardo Bonucci’s own son Matteo fell seriously ill after having surgery in 2016. Now Leonardo, who is running with his friend Pietro, wants to raise vital awareness and funds for Young Lives vs Cancer. He said: “I run marathons because running makes me feel good and pushes me out of my comfort zone. We discovered Young Lives vs Cancer while surveying the associations participating in the London Marathon, and given the experiences Pietro and I have shared, supporting this cause was the most natural choice—it truly felt like ours.” Shane McGuigan has lived experience of cancer and wants to help support other families like his. He said: “There’s unfortunately a lot of different cancers that affect children and this is so close to my heart. I was a kid, eight years of age when my sister got diagnosed with leukaemia. It took our family literally by the scruff of our necks and turned us upside down – and if I can help raise money and awareness towards the charity that would be really, really fulfilling for me.” Meanwhile, actor Callie Cooke said: “It’s a really big challenge for me but I’m so proud to be doing what I can to help children and young people living with cancer. Every day, 12 more children and young people in the UK will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. I’ve seen the real difference the charity makes and thinking of that will get me across the finish line.”  This year over 300 runners, including Leonardo and Pietro, Shane, and Callie, have proudly joined #TeamYoungLives to support children and young people with cancer. Let’s cheer them on and show our support. 👏

*NEW DATE ADDED* - Tuesday 22nd April 12-1.30pm CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Young Lives vs Cancer need your expertise! Join our workshops to explore the system around children and young people with cancer, and their families 👇 Together, we have the power to improve the system 👊

Do you have lived experience of cancer? We’re created a short survey to find out more about how you use social media, so that we can share relevant content on the channels that work for you. 🫶 We’re especially keen to hear from young people, parents, caregivers, partners and siblings with lived experience of cancer. Answer our short survey. It will only take 3 minutes: https://ow.ly/XEie50Vne7X

Today's Spring Statement was a chance for UK Government to support children and young people with cancer and their families with the extra costs that come with a diagnosis. Our Chief Executive Rachel Kirby-Rider shares her reflections on how the statement missed the mark for the families we support 👉 https://ow.ly/aOxy50Vp3vc

📢 Join us! Our research team is hosting a webinar on Friday 28 March sharing our latest research on the experiences of children and young people with cancer and their families, as they navigate the process of claiming disability benefits following their diagnosis. Register now: https://ow.ly/xZwo50VkT0j Our new research report, The Cost of Waiting, sheds light on the challenges and delays faced by these families, and the impact it has on their lives. This webinar is designed for those interested in understanding and improving the support systems for children and young people with cancer and their families, including researchers, third sector workers, as well as public sector officials. Register now to secure your spot and gain valuable insights into the critical issues faced by children and young people with cancer and their families: https://ow.ly/xZwo50VkT0j

“For anyone spending Mother’s Day in hospital with their children, just cherish what it is. None of us want to be there but we have to make the best of a bad situation. As bad as it sounds, I would give anything to be back in the room with Orla if it meant she was still here.” Ahead of #MothersDay, mum Naomi talks about the devastating loss of her daughter, Orla, following months of cancer treatment. Read her story: https://ow.ly/Bih550VoJlv

Our reminder to Rachel Reeves ahead of the UK Government Spring Statement tomorrow 👇 71% of children and young people with cancer struggle with the cost of travelling to treatment, and one in 10 miss or delay treatment because they can't afford to get there. In this years Spring Statement, UK Government need to include a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund. Please share if you agree.

📢 Join us! Our research team is hosting a webinar on Friday 28 March sharing our latest research on the experiences of children and young people with cancer and their families, as they navigate the process of claiming disability benefits following their diagnosis. Register now: https://ow.ly/xZwo50VkT0j Our new research report, The Cost of Waiting, sheds light on the challenges and delays faced by these families, and the impact it has on their lives. This webinar is designed for those interested in understanding and improving the support systems for children and young people with cancer and their families, including researchers, third sector workers, as well as public sector officials. Register now to secure your spot and gain valuable insights into the critical issues faced by children and young people with cancer and their families: https://ow.ly/xZwo50VkT0j

“As a specialist social worker, I understand the impact cancer can have on families. By running the London Marathon I want to let others know that there is help out there, so that no one feels that they have to navigate this experience alone.” Abby has been a Young Lives vs Cancer Specialist Social Worker for five years now, and next month she’ll be taking on the #LondonMarathon to support children and young people with cancer. We can’t wait to cheer for her and the rest of Team Young Lives. 👏 Abby works closely with families who have received a cancer diagnosis, and she’s made many memories which have stuck with her. She said: “Recently a young person was able to participate in their graduation, which had been his goal for some time. Many people helped make this happen but it was his determination and strength that allowed him to finish his training, and accept his degree on that special day.” With the London Marathon around the corner, Abby said: “Training has been both hard work but also, so much fun. My favourite part is that I’m enjoying running again and that I have a friend who’s also training, so our weekend-long runs are the highlights of our weeks… Always followed by coffee! “My family and friends (shout out to Dream Team) have been A-MAZING. They have been super encouraging and are a big part of why this has been so much fun. From hearing about their experiences with marathons and other runs, to sharing our excitement for the big day, they have really helped keep me focused. I’m so, so grateful for them. “I’m excited to raise funds for Young Lives vs Cancer, and tell others about all of the work we’re doing to help families as they navigate their cancer diagnosis.” Support Abby: https://ow.ly/67Hh50Vhg33 #SocialWorkWeek

The NHS is free at the point of use. But what if you can't afford to get there? In 2023, we undertook research to understand the impact of travelling to treatment for children and young people with cancer. The results were stark. 71% of children and young people with cancer and their families said they struggle with the cost of getting to their treatment - and this leads to some taking on debt, selling their possessions or even missing or delaying treatment. It's not right. The UK Government Spring Statement this month is an opportunity to create a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund, to make sure children and young people with cancer, and their families can stop worrying about the cost of travel and focus on what matters: getting through treatment. Email your MP today and ask them to support calls for a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund in the Spring Statement: https://ow.ly/j24m50Vlv5j