In this edition of Contact, we hear from several wonderful organisations who, through their various programmes, offer valuable practical and emotional support to siblings. Experts share helpful tips, advice, strategies, and resources for adults to help them support brothers and sisters, of all ages, of a child or young person with cancer. We also hear from parents and siblings themselves, who have kindly shared the challenges they’ve faced, as well as the support they’ve received, and from whom, along the way.
How might siblings be affected by their brother or sister's cancer?
What can help them?
We know that siblings of children or young people with cancer may often experience natural feelings of fear, jealousy, guilt and loneliness as their family navigates a hugely challenging time, and one of great upheaval for all, including the brother or sister of the poorly child or young person.
Hopefully, this gives an idea of just what help and support is out there and what it may look like.
Barretstown offers free, specially designed camps and programmes for children living with cancer and other serious illnesses and their families. Here, Siobhan Kavanagh, its Director of Medical and Programme, tells us about their support for siblings.
Elizabeth’s daughter, Sarah, who also has Down syndrome, was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016, aged 15. Here, she tells us how her youngest daughter, Hannah, then eight, provided support to her sister, and about the challenges of balancing family life while a child is on treatment.
Rosa Kaminska’s son, George, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in December 2022 aged six. Here, she explains the impact of this on George’s sister, Anna, what helped them as a family during his early treatment, and offers advice to others.
Rebecca Wood is CEO of Tom’s Trust, a charity that provides psychological support to children with brain tumours and their families. Here, she explains how the charity recognised the need to help families support the brothers and sisters of children with cancer by developing an expert-written sibling toolkit.
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, this is felt across the whole family, and though not undergoing treatment themselves, siblings are often affected in ways that may be less visible but deeply felt. Here, Dr Claire Wright, Clinical Psychologist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, explains how siblings might feel, and offers tips and advice to help support them.
Colette Robinson-Mellor's daughter, Hollie, was diagnosed with an eye cancer, called retinoblastoma, aged 13 months in 2024. Here, Colette tells us how Hollie’s brother, Ted, who was four at the time of his sister’s diagnosis, helped and supported the whole family, and how they also navigated his own worries.
Evie Mattison was nine years old when her brother, Dan, was diagnosed with leukaemia as a teenager in 2014. Here, she describes what helped her during Dan’s treatment, and how her family’s experiences have shaped her life, studies and ambitions.
There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to supporting siblings of children and young people with cancer. There are, however, key components of support that can make a big difference to siblings, which we’ve established through listening to the voices of siblings* themselves.
Senior Family Support Practitioner at the Child and Family Support Service within Diana Children’s Community Service in Leicestershire.
PROJECT TITLE: Twin-based models for more effective treatment of childhood leukaemia LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Professor Alex Thompson INSTITUTION: University of Nottingham AWARD: Approx. £95,000 (funded by The Little Princess Trust and administered by CCLG)
Andy Calvert’s daughter Keira was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2022 aged 14. Andy tells us how the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has supported both her and her younger siblings, Hayley, Aden and Andrew, with their sailing and adventure trips.
Gill Thaxter's daughter, Lisa, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when she was 10 years old in 1992 and sadly died aged 12. Here, Gill tells us about the impact this had on Lisa’s sister, Rebecca, and how communication has been key to supporting each other.
The Joshua Tree supports the whole family of a child or young person diagnosed with cancer, during and after treatment. Here, Rich Driffield, CEO at The Joshua Tree, explains why it recognises that brothers and sisters, like Phoebe, 23, whose teenage brother was diagnosed with cancer, need care, understanding and space too.
Subscribe to receive our latest quarterly Contact Magazine.
