Real Stories

We’re working to get childhood cancer the attention it needs

There are many reasons why childhood cancer isn’t the same as adult cancer. Through our initiatives and campaigns we have helped the public and the scientific community understand childhood cancer better.

Knowledge is power, and together we can improve outcomes for the thousands of children and young people that receive a cancer diagnosis every year.

Leah: Purpose

In 2023, we visited Leah who told us that due to the radiation therapy she may not be able to have children.

In 2026, we revisited Leah to meet – Aria – her one year old daughter. Hear the story of the challenges Leah overcame and how the hope and the joy of this lifechanging event gave her a new purpose.

Read Leah’s story

Oke: Purpose

Chizi was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in August 2012 when he was just three months old. Tragically, Chizi did not survive his diagnosis and passed away on 5 November 2014. His dad, Oke, tells their story.

Read Oke and Chizi’s story

Bereavement

Introducing Leanne and Sarah two mothers who share the journey of profound loss after the passing of their daughters, Emmy and Neive. Both faced the unimaginable, yet they found strength in connecting, sharing memories, and supporting one another.

Read Neive’s story

Read Emmy’s story

Zoe: Research we fund

Introducing Zoe Walters, an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton. In this episode of Real Stories, Zoe discusses how a fellowship from Children with Cancer UK enabled her to set up her research team, focusing on using new drugs to support the immune system in fighting childhood cancers.

Read Zoe’s project

Libby: Full Circle

Libby had a brain tumour when she was just 11 weeks old. Libby talks about the tireless support of her two brothers and her parents who have been her strength during her cancer journey. Her brother Seb who was inspired by Libby’s journey and now works for Children with Cancer UK.

Read Libby’s story

Morven: Sarcoma Awareness Month

Introducing Morven, Morven was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in January 2020 when she was seven years old. As part of Sarcoma Awareness Month in July, Morven, now aged 11 is sharing her journey with a rare type of cancer, soft tissue sarcoma.

Read Morven’s story

A Father’s Story: A shared journey

Introducing James, James’ son Mason was diagnosed with Round Cell Soft Tissue Sarcoma at just 16 months old. James opens up about having cancer himself and how that shaped his approach when Mason was diagnosed. James began writing a blog for Mason, using it as a way to convey his emotions and support others facing similar challenges. After meeting other families on the ward, they hoped to reassure and help others.

Read Mason’s story

Treatment: Residing at hospital

Introducing Lucy, a brave mother residing in Birmingham Hospital with her son Zayyan.

Zayyan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2023. In her candid account, Lucy opens up about the challenges of living in this confined space and discusses the realities faced by families like hers, where the hospital becomes a second home and holds shared experiences with other parents facing a cancer diagnosis.

London Marathon: cancer survivor turned marathon runner

Diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Charlie decided to tackle the London Marathon in 2018, despite facing his own health battles.

Since then, he’s run every marathon except one, raising over £10,000 for Children with Cancer UK along the way. He shares the emotional highs and lows, and his commitment to helping others whilst supporting Children with Cancer UK.

Teenagers and young adults: Cancer diagnosis impact

Leah was an active, energetic and sporty 13-year-old whose life changed when she was diagnosed with stage 1 spinal ependymoma.

Leah opens up about what life is like after a cancer diagnosis, the impact her diagnosis has had on her daily life, her mobility and the chronic pain she experiences.

Read Leah’s Story

A siblings story: Love that binds a family together

In this heartfelt video, we introduce you to Isabel, the incredible older sister of Thomas.

Thomas was diagnosed with a malignant rhabdoid tumour in October 2020, when Isabel was just 7 years old. As a remarkable older sister, Isabel shares valuable advice for other siblings going through similar experiences.

Let’s spread awareness and support for those facing the challenges of childhood cancer.

Amplifying voices: Dax’s story shared by his mum Devon

In this video, we introduce you to Devon, a brave mother who shares her journey of loss after her son Dax was diagnosed with cerebellopontine parameningeal Rhabdomyosarcoma on 18 May 2020. Tragically, Dax did not survive his diagnosis and passed away on 31 August 2020.

We, and all of the other families, need you to listen to these kids’ stories because they deserve it and they need your help.

– Devon, our Real Story for January 2024.

Read Dax’s Story

How you can help us

We will be sharing more Real Stories videos in the coming months, so make sure you keep checking this page for more videos.

Please share our videos on your social media platforms by using the hashtag #RealStoriesCancer