Finding a cure for childhood cancer 

Our research story so far

Childhood cancers are very different from adult cancers. As children’s bodies are still growing and maturing, the toxic treatments can have serious and long-lasting side effects. This is why research into childhood cancer is vital – we need to understand why and how these cancers are different and find treatments that allow children to live long, happy and healthy lives.

CCLG has come so far since we launched our first research strategy in 2015, where we planned to fund research that fills knowledge gaps and finds better and kinder treatments for children with cancer. From funding just nine projects in 2016, our research network is now one of the largest funders of childhood cancer research.

Working in partnership

Over the last five years, we have funded research through our charity partnerships and Special Named Funds, who raise vital funds for specific areas of research. Our collaborations with Bethany's Wish, Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, Neuroblastoma UK, The Harley Staples Cancer Trust and Blood Cancer UK mean that more high-quality childhood cancer research is funded.

Our biggest partnership is with the Little Princess Trust, who sought out our support in 2016 to begin investing in research. We now have an ongoing, thriving collaboration which benefits the research community and, ultimately, children with cancer. Working with them and supporting them has been a highlight of our research journey.

How we make a difference

• Sharing new knowledge through published journal articles and research presentations
• Developing innovative resources such as tumour models and knowledge banks
• Influencing medical decision-making through engagement with families and discussions about best practice
• Stimulating further research with follow-on grants and external funding
• Protecting the future generation of researchers with vital specialist experience

Five years of funding excellent research

Over the past five years we have continuously funded research, even through the COVID-19 pandemic. From £603,387 in 2016 to nearly four million in 2021, CCLG and our charity partners are helping to change the future of childhood cancer’

Our national impact 

Our highly-skilled research teams work across all parts of the UK. 32 different institutions in 22 different cities from across the UK and Ireland have received research funding through CCLG.