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Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 hear the words "you have cancer" and can find themselves feeling scared, confused and isolated from their peers. Even for those who recover, that huge disruption at such a crucial time can have a lasting impact on their future. 

They need help.  And Teenage Cancer Trust's world-leading care and support puts young people in the best possible place, physically, mentally and emotionally, for their cancer treatment and beyond. 

We do this by funding 28 specialist units in NHS hospitals, where young people can come together for treatment in an environment that feels more like a home than a hospital ward.  

Our expert Teenage Cancer Trust nurses make sure that young people receive the highest quality of care possible, as well as emotional and practical support to cope with the huge challenges that cancer presents. 

And our teams of youth support coordinators are somebody to talk to, and bring young people together for events and activities, helping them to meet and connect with others who have had similar experiences.

Without our units, nurses and support teams, young people might never meet another person their age who understands what they’re going through, and experience treatment without fully age-appropriate care and support. 

2020 has been a tough year for Teenage Cancer Trust. When COVID-19 hit, we suddenly lost around half of our income, and are set to lose more than £5million in funding this year.  But whatever the crisis we won’t stop, and can’t stop, being there for young people with cancer. Please support our appeal.

To be told as a teenager or young person, during those exciting but difficult years, that you have cancer, must be one of the hardest things to face.  

Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity very close to my heart, recognises the unique issues of young people facing a cancer diagnosis and is there, from the outset, to offer much needed support and guidance. 

I’ve had the privilege of meeting just a few of the inspirational young people the charity works with, and the incredible Teenage Cancer Trust staff supporting them - I’ve seen how the work they do helps young people through some unimaginably hard times.  

Your support for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Lifeline Appeal will help Teenage Cancer Trust reach young people in need, allowing them be treated on units where wonderful friendships are forged, and helped by specialist nurses and youth support teams, who are there for them throughout their difficult journey. 

And a generous partner has pledged to match the first £20,000 raised through the appeal, which means that the value of your gift could be doubled.

Cerys was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in January 2019 when she was just 13 years old. She went through intensive chemotherapy treatment which caused some terrible side effects, including acute liver failure. She had her leg amputated above the knee to give her the best chance of recovery. 

Cerys was treated on Teenage Cancer Trust unit’s at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she was supported by Youth Support Coordinator, Julie. Julie helped Cerys to meet other young people going through treatment, organising all sorts of events and social activities. She also helped Cerys to deal with the emotional impact of her treatment and was there to talk about difficult subjects like the impact of treatment on her fertility. 

Julie has continued to be there for Cerys even after she finished treatment in December 2019. During the pandemic, she has been organising virtual Zoom events to help Cerys stay connected to other young people.

Sue’s son James was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in 2017 when he was 21. He went through months of treatment on Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit at The Freeman in Newcastle, and had his right arm and shoulder amputated.  

On the unit, James and Sue and were introduced to Teenage Cancer Trust nurse Nicola. She was always on hand to answer any questions about James’s treatment and side effects and made his experience as comfortable as possible. 

After his diagnosis, James took on a huge amount of fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust, even taking on a abseil challenge after his amputation. He also continued playing rugby and was given a ‘sporting hero’ award. 

James’s cancer returned in 2019 and he re-started chemo. Sadly, the treatment was unsuccessful, and he died in November 2019, aged 23. Since James’s death, Sue has been continuing James’s legacy by fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust, along with friends, family and their local community.

Sophie and Mayisha were treated on Teenage Cancer Trust’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital unit in Birmingham and got chatting to each other whilst they were undergoing chemotherapy together. It was the start of a friendship that supported them at one of the lowest points of their lives and continues to this day.

Being a young person with cancer can be isolating - it’s hard to meet others who understand what you’re going through, whilst your friends move on with their education, careers and relationships. Teenage Cancer Trust’s 28 specialist units offer don’t just offer expert, tailored care to teens and young people with cancer but the chance to meet others in the same situation.

Mayisha’s and Sophie’s friendship helped to them be teenagers, not cancer patients, first and foremost.  Through a shared experience of cancer, they supported each other, and became like sisters to each other.