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Ben’s story

Kirsty, Ben’s mum shares their story.

In February 2024, Ben was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Hodgkins Lymphoma when he was only 8 years old. He went from an active young boy to incredibly ill very quickly. Within a few days of being diagnosed with a suspected bowel obstruction, he suffered a cardiac arrest, and doctors weren’t sure if he would survive his treatment. He shocked his doctors and was able to pull through, but his treatment was far from over. After a traumatic few weeks of close monitoring and surgery, Ben’s parents were given the cancer diagnosis. This started a long journey of recovery and relapse. The original surgery removed the tumour in his bowel, and even though he was too weak for Chemotherapy he seemed to be recovering without it. However, just as he was about to have stoma reversal surgery, the family found out his cancer was back. This time he was strong enough to receive chemotherapy, and once again he shocked his doctors by handling it incredibly well with minimal side effects. In September 2024 he finally rang the end of treatment bell and was able to undergo his stoma reversal surgery the month after. He is now several months into remission and is doing well.

A letter from Gavin Maggs

I am thrilled to have taken on the role of Chief Executive at Children with Cancer UK and to be part of such a passionate, generous community dedicated to helping every child and young person survive their cancer diagnosis. This is an organisation that shares my passion for investing in visionary research to find ways to prevent cancer in the future, and I am excited to be working alongside a talented team of committed people.

Children with Cancer UK has done incredible work over the years – and that’s thanks to supporters like you. Your belief in our mission is what makes a real difference for the many children and young people facing cancer, and I’m so grateful to be stepping into this role with all your support.

As we look ahead, I’m excited to build on this foundation and explore new ways to achieve our shared goals. Thank you for your continued trust and commitment. There’s so much more we can do – and I can’t wait to get started. Let’s do great things together

Gavin Maggs, CEO Children with Cancer UK

Looking into the future

The beginning of this year has seen so many incredible fundraisers from all around the country to go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts. From pyjamarama events to amazing corporate partners, every pound raised helps us step into the future of cancer care. We believe that the future of cancer care combines research into future treatments as well as providing welfare for children going through treatment now. That is why your continued support is vital to the work we do.

Moving research into the future

Survival rates of cancer have almost doubled in the last 40 years. This success wouldn’t be possible without supporters like you. Research goals can now address issues with current treatment, such as harsh side effects and late effects. This means that children and young people will not only survive their cancer diagnosis but be much less likely to have their cancer treatment effect their lives moving forward. Have a look at some examples of our current research to see what we are funding.