Young Lives vs Cancer welcomes new Trustees 

Young Lives vs Cancer, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people and their families, has announced four new appointments to its Board of Trustees.

Like many organisations, Young Lives vs Cancer is looking towards the future and how the charity can better support young cancer patients in years to come with its next strategy.  With these new appointments, the Board of Trustees is further strengthening their expertise in social work and as well as in innovation.

Sarah Blackmore is an Executive Director with Social Work England, the regulator for the social work profession in England, and since qualifying as a social worker in 1997,  has worked in a variety of national and international contexts, from frontline practice in Ireland, to working with ex-child soldiers in Sierra Leone during the civil war, to managing services for children and families in the UK.

Also joining the board is Daniel Farag. He has worked across the public, private and charitable sectors, and leads the practical social change and innovation work with communities, public systems, and social enterprises at the Young Foundation. Daniel was previously a Director of Nesta’s Health Lab.

Kevin Smith, a founding partner of Sana Capital, which supports early-stage companies developing data led healthcare solutions.  He is the founder of Coleid, which helps organisations with innovation and growth in the UK and overseas.

Finally joining the Board is Dr Sheila Lane, a Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She has a special interest in the late effects of childhood cancer and in particular the effect of cancer and cancer treatment on children’s future fertility.

Sir David Haslam, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “We are so pleased to welcome our new Trustees to Young Lives vs Cancer. Each of them brings a wealth of experience and expertise which will be immensely valuable.

“At the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer’s next strategy will be the needs of children and young people with cancer and what needs to happen to build a better future for them, and our Trustees will play a vital role in shaping that strategy. They have joined us at a really critical and exciting time for the charity, and I look forward to working alongside them.”

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role at Young Lives vs Cancer. They guide the charities work and are responsible for the direction of the organisation. Trustees are all volunteers and give their time for free so that families do not face cancer alone.

Young Lives vs Cancer helps children and young people (0-25) and their families to face cancer and everything it throws at them. Their specialist social workers help families from the moment of diagnosis with emotional and financial support from helping to access grants and benefits to liaising with schools and employers, as well as being someone to talk to and to listen to what they need. The charity’s Homes from Home also offer a free place to stay nearby the hospital so families can be together.