Children with Cancer UK unveils moving new awareness campaign inspired by young cancer survivors

The Children with Cancer UK ‘Milestones’ campaign tells the story of two childhood cancer survivors – Billy and Demi – and their families’ journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment and remission.

The moving 60-second campaign film has launched across the charity’s social channels. The charity hopes it will inspire viewers to show their support for its vital work and ground-breaking research.

Children with Cancer UK is the leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer.

Jo Elvin, CEO of Children with Cancer UK, said:

From school plays and piano recitals to football matches and learning to ride a bike, every milestone throughout a young person’s life is special. But for a family going through cancer treatment, these small everyday moments become even more important – especially when they’re facing a period of precious highs, painful lows and so much uncertainty in between. For children with cancer, every moment matters which is why we’ll never stop fighting to beat this devastating disease.

The stories of Billy and Demi were thoughtfully created to be reflective of the special milestones shared with the charity by a number of its patient families. These include Frankie, who was diagnosed with Juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia in 2016 when he was just 12 months old. Following treatment, he is now in complete remission.

Sharing their story, Frankie’s dad James, said:

Watching Frankie receive his first man of the match award – and seeing the smile on his face – is my favourite milestone.

At just five months old, Rose was diagnosed with infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. She was given a 50:50 chance of survival but today is happy and healthy.

Rose’s mum Alison shared their experience in support of the campaign. She said:

When we talk about milestones, every single day since the day Rose was diagnosed has been a major milestone because it means she’s made another day. So I want people to know there’s light at the end.

Jo Elvin continued:

We are incredibly grateful to Frankie and Rose’s families, and many others, who shared their personal stories with us for this campaign. For children facing a cancer diagnosis, every day and every moment is a special milestone and we hope our new film helps to highlight the important work of Children with Cancer UK.

Our mission is to fund ground-breaking scientific research into the treatment and causes of childhood cancer, provide crucial ongoing support for young cancer patients and their loved ones and continue to raise awareness as we work towards our vision of a world where every child survives cancer.

Survival rates for children’s cancers are improving. Fifty years ago, three-quarters of children diagnosed with cancer died; today more than 8 in 10 children diagnosed with cancer in the UK survive. However, with around 4,200 new cases each year in the UK, it is still one of the leading causes of death for children and young people.

To watch the campaign film, visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/about-us/milestones.

For more information go to www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk.

ENDS

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Notes to Editors:

About Children with Cancer UK:

Children with Cancer UK is a leading children’s cancer charity dedicated to raising and investing funds into vital specialist research to save the lives of children with cancer. Our mission is to improve survival rates and the quality of survival in young cancer patients and to find ways to prevent cancer in the future. What began as a small memorial charity in 1988, has evolved into a major force raising more than £300 million and investing in over 200 research projects to help fight the injustice of cancer in children.

For more information about Children with Cancer UK, visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk