The charity was joined by runners, riders, swimmers, community fundraisers, event planners, corporate partners and generous donors at the inaugural Children with Cancer UK Thank You Evening. The event was held to thank top charity supporters and reflect on a fantastic year of fundraising for Children with Cancer UK. The charity was also joined by some very special guest speakers to show supporters exactly how their funding has made a difference. Professor Steve Clifford, lead researcher on the INSTINCT programme, shared more about his vital research. INSTINCT integrates high-risk paediatric brain tumours (HR-PBT) research programmes at The Institute of Child Health, Newcastle University and The Institute of Cancer Research. The aim of the programme is to create a concerted clinical and research network to deliver improved therapies for children with HR-PBTs. This research is co-funded by Children with Cancer UK, The Brain Tumour Charity and Great Ormond Street Children’s Charity. A father of a child with cancer, Stephen Betts, gave a personal account of his family’s experience with childhood cancer. Stephen’s daughter Lily was diagnosed with an optic pathway glioma, a type of brain tumour, at the age of one in November 2017. Lily is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Stephen bravely shared his family’s story to show the impact childhood cancer can have on a family. Finally, guests heard from cancer survivor Maisie de Wolf. Maisie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at 18 months old and her treatment lasted almost four years. Despite being warned that side effects from chemotherapy may mean she would have difficulties walking, Maisie has since completed marathons for charity and will be running the Virgin Money London Marathon for Children with Cancer UK again in 2020. Inspired by her childhood cancer journey, Maisie is currently studying Medicine at King’s College London and is a year away from qualifying as a doctor. Children with Cancer UK hope that the event helped to show our very valued supporters how they are truly making an impact. Special thanks to Total Merchandise for their generous contributions towards this special evening.
