News & Updates

Sam Varnam was diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a teenager in 2017. Now 24, he tells us about how he navigated the challenges of treatment, and the route he took to becoming a police officer.

Olly Liddle was diagnosed with bone cancer as a teenager. Here, he tells us how this has shaped his life, including inspiring a new career as a personal trainer.

Shane Gunby was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 15 in 2012, leaving him with several long-term side effects. He explains how this has impacted him in the workplace, and what a difference proper support from employers can make to young people navigating the world of work after cancer.

Christina Harris’ daughter, Skye, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in 2021, aged 10. Having received little support from her employer following Skye’s diagnosis, culminating in her eventually losing her job, she explains why she’s now campaigning for parents with seriously ill children to be legally entitled to a career break while they care for their child.

During cancer treatment, children and young people (CYP) and their families will meet, and receive care from, a wide range of healthcare professionals. Mostly, these will be their consultants or clinical nurse specialists, but there are many others who will provide wider, and pivotal, support. We hear from three such people about their roles.

Sian Brown’s son, George, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in April 2019 when seven months old. Here, she explains how she gave up work to care for George and the financial implications of this, and how volunteering work led her back into employment helping other families of children with cancer.

Nicky Webb is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and a member of CCLG who provides support for the long-term follow-up care of childhood cancer survivors.

Jeanette Hawkins and Jo Stark, Chief Nurses at CCLG, share tips on preparing for your child's medical appointments.

Hafsa Karim is a Speech and Language Therapist specialising in paediatric and adolescent oncology at UCLH and a member of CCLG. Here, she shares more about her role in working with children and young people with cancer.