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.
Darcey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in November 2022 when she was just 17 months old. Her mum, Sophie, shares her story.
A childhood cancer survivor has completed a trio of running challenges to raise almost £1,600 to support other children and young people diagnosed with the disease in the future.
A Stockport dad whose daughter died of blood cancer when just 21 months old has tackled the Three Peaks Challenge in her memory last month – while wearing a weighted vest which was the same weight she was when she passed away to symbolise carrying her with him.
