When we were first established in 1977 as The UK Children’s Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG), fewer than 3 in 10 children survived cancer, and research into childhood cancers was almost non-existent. Fourteen visionary founders united to launch clinical trials, collect vital data, and build a clinical network to advance understanding. That same year, our first clinical trial opened for children with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Over the years, trials expanded to include almost every childhood cancer, transforming the landscape of paediatric oncology.
We laid the foundation for today’s specialist network of hospitals treating children with cancer and, in 1998, launched the CCLG Tissue Bank (now VIVO Biobank), which has become an invaluable resource for scientists working to improve diagnosis and treatment. In the mid-2000s, UKCCSG merged with the UK Childhood Leukaemia Working Party to form Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), bringing research into solid tumours and leukaemia together under one, united organisation.
By 2010, the delivery of clinical trials transitioned to dedicated research organisations, enabling us to focus on our role as the professional membership association for those working in children and young people’s cancer, a trusted source of health information, and a leading research charity. In 2015, we published our first research strategy, committing to increasing funding for research into children’s cancers. Our membership of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) demonstrates our commitment to excellence and rigorous standards in funding groundbreaking research.
Over the last decade, we’ve expanded our Special Named Funds programme, creating opportunities for families to honour children and young people affected by cancer while supporting pioneering research. We’ve grown our collaborative network, enabling more charities to fund exceptional research. In 2022, we published our first Research Impact Report, celebrating the difference made by the projects we support. The following year, alongside The Little Princess Trust, we unveiled the James Lind Alliance Children’s Cancer Priority Setting Partnership report, highlighting the top 10 priorities for children’s cancer research.
In 2019, we merged with Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer (TYAC). We published the first TYAC research strategy and went on to award our inaugural grants dedicated to research for teenagers and young adults. In 2025, we proudly relaunched as CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association, bringing together our expertise to support our community and accelerate progress.
As we look ahead, our new research strategy builds on this legacy. Together, we will create a brighter future for children and young people with cancer.