Funding research and saving lives for 32 years

Why we began

In February 1987, leukaemia claimed the life of 14-year-old Paul O’Gorman. Just nine months later, another devastating blow struck the family when Paul’s sister, Jean, was also killed by cancer. In November 1987, just days after Jean’s death, their parents, Eddie and Marion O’Gorman, met Diana, Princess of Wales. Deeply moved by the double tragedy, she personally helped to establish this charity. Their legacy Always a caring boy, Paul asked his parents to promise to help other children with leukaemia. Within weeks of his death, Eddie and Marion started fundraising. Paul and Jean continue to inspire us. What started as a small memorial foundation is now Britain’s leading charity dedicated to the conquest of childhood cancer through pioneering research, new treatment and support of children with cancer and their families. Read more about how we began  Read more about Princess Diana’s support

Cancer affects all the family

Jemma was 10 months old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Jemma’s mum, Michelle, wants to share her family’s story to help spread awareness of childhood cancer. She hopes that one day no family need go through the trauma that still lives with her family. Read Jemma’s story

Funding children's cancer centres of excellence

Laraib was treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where we’ve donated £1 million to build a new cancer unit and upgrade the existing facilities and quality of care. For over 30 years  you’ve been helping us to develop children’s cancer centres of excellence around the UK. Our first task as a new charity back in 1988 was to raise £2 million to establish a new leukaemia research centre at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital. Since then, we have helped to develop further centres of excellence around the UK – including centres in Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle. Research facilities you’ve helped to fund