I’m undertaking the Cheltenham Circular Challenge to support the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust.  The Trust does some fantastic work to support teenagers and young people who have cancer.  The Trust grew out of the dedication and passion of a group of women who discovered the plight of teenagers with cancer by chance.  Whilst fundraising for a Children’s intensive care unit at Guy’s Hospital, they meet a mother whose son developed cancer at 13.  He was treated in a children’s ward or alongside much older people, making the experience far worse for him.  These women met this young man’s consultant who explained that not only did young people have to face the trauma of having a cancer diagnosis, but also the treatment regime and isolation from other teenagers at a very sensitive time in their life, added to their fears.  In addition, young people tend to get rare forms of cancer. The women went on to raise funds to build the very first Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at the Middlesex Hospital in 1990.

 

Being given a diagnosis of cancer is catastrophic for anyone, but for those who are teenagers, this is especially cruel.  Young people can get some of the most rare and aggressive forms of cancer.  Their rapidly growing bodies often work against them, enabling the cancer to grow faster.  The emotional upheaval of adolescence can make the diagnosis even harder.  The Trust works hard to ensure that teenagers facing the challenge of cancer treatment, do so in the best possible surroundings, in units which meet their needs, providing support from other young people in a similar situation.   As the mother of two teenage sons, I feel blessed to know they are well and healthy.  I know so many people who have had their lives touched by cancer in some way, so this charity has a special resonance for me. 

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

So please dig deep and donate now.