Our story

The O’Gorman family was shattered when brother and sister, Paul and Jean, fell victim to cancer within nine months of each other.
Paul and Jean O'Gorman

Paul and Jean

14 year old Paul died in February 1987, only nine weeks after his initial diagnosis of leukaemia.

His sister Jean - in defiance of her cancer, she had started to raise funds for children with leukaemia in her brother’s memory - died just nine months later that November.

Diana, Princess of Wales Lady Diana, Princess of Wales

Deeply moved by the double tragedy, Diana, Princess of Wales helped the O’Gorman family to start the Charity.

She kindly inaugurated the Charity and continued to support us until her own untimely death.

Where we are today

Through the unceasing efforts of Jean and Paul’s family and friends, what began as a small memorial charity has evolved into a major force in paediatric oncology.

The charity has, in the last 10 years, raised over £100 million to fund buildings, vital equipment and work at specialist hospitals and hospices throughout the country.

Research, improved treatment and support for children and their families have never been more necessary – the incidence of most forms of childhood cancer is still increasing.

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