News & updates

Here, a teacher shares their experience of having a child with cancer in their school and how they’ve created a safe, supportive and, importantly, ‘normal’ environment for them.

Sophie Angell, 15, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in November 2018. She tells us about her return to school, what she’s learned from her experiences and offers some advice to others.

Louise Robinson, Neuro-Oncology Outreach Nurse Specialist at East Midlands Children’s and Young Persons’ Integrated Cancer Service, tells us about educational support for young brain tumour patients.

Going back to school can be scary for both you and your child, but it’s important for their mental wellbeing. It helps them to feel ‘normal’ and lessens the isolation and loneliness which many children with cancer face. It gives structure to their day, a focus on the future and is where they can learn and develop social skills and make friends.

Penelope Hart-Spencer, Health Play Specialist at The Christie Hospital, tells us about the development of ‘Anna loses her hair’. The award-winning CCLG publication helps educate children on hair loss during cancer treatment.

Leukaemia, lockdown and learning… Vicky Newman, whose daughter Alexandra has leukaemia, writes on how lockdown actually helped to reduce gaps in Alex’s education and the isolation she had felt previously when away from school.

As part of Cat Macleod’s role as a Young Lives vs Cancer social worker, she helps families plan and access trips and holidays while their child is on treatment. She explains the positive impact these breaks can have, and things to consider beforehand.

Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG)’s Big Play Date is back for 2021! From today (May 29) until the end of June, supporters are invited to have some fun while raising much-needed funds for childhood cancer by holding their very own play dates.

The TYAC Professional Education Group (PEG) organised a poetry experience with Beth Calverley as a creative activity for professionals, knowing the extra pressure that COVID has brought them.