The cost of cancer on young lives is more than medical

Harrison’s mum noticed a big impact financially, especially when it came to food, heating, parking and travel.

“One of Harrison’s classmates, their dad set up a GoFundMe for us so that’s been amazingly helpful with parking and the food. You don’t know what he’s going to want to eat and at the Marsden Hospital the parents don’t get fed, and at King’s it’s hit and miss whether you get fed and we’ve been in there so often, Harrison’s fed up with the food. So Deliveroo and things have been very helpful.

“Our heating definitely went up. Every other winter we try not to put the heating on at all – we get by, but you can’t do that when you’ve got an ill child, it’s not worth making him more poorly. You have to take that pinch and maybe not have your special treat of food for the week.”

Harrison’s Young Lives vs Cancer Specialist Social Worker, Abby, was a great support, helping to access financial support and emotional support too.

Our commitment  

We’re committed to being part of the solution and working will all those who can help us make change happen for children and young people with cancer and their families. Together, we want to ensure they get the immediate and lasting #CancerCosts support they need. That’s why our presence at the political party conferences matters.   

And that’s why in particular we’re calling for: 

• A Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund – so all children, young people and families get support with travel costs  

• Reforms to welfare benefits, so children and young people with cancer and their families can access benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) immediately  

Read more about our calls for a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund and welfare benefits reforms. 

With the UK Government currently drafting the National Cancer Plan, the conferences are a vital opportunity to keep influencing its direction. We know children and young people will be included, but for the Plan to work, it must meet all their needs. We must ensure a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund is included, so every child and young person can access their treatment without cost or delay. 

How you can help 

1.  Help us amplify the voices of children and young people with cancer, and their families, by resharing our #CancerCosts #RunningOnEmpty posts on your social media
2.  #CancerCosts sound familiar? If you’re looking for support with the cost of cancer costs, check out our webpages for more information on financial support, including Young Lives vs Cancer grants. 
3. If you want to know more about any of our campaigns, including how you can support them or get involved, read more on our Campaign for Change pages.