11 February 2025
The last 12 months saw significant strides taken to understand the landscape of young people’s cancer care in the UK with the publication of State of the System, a report by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Young Lives vs Cancer, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG).
The significant evidence base – over 1,500 young people, parents, carers and siblings providing information about their lived experiences – was made possible by the close relationship between the charities, working together and committed to improving outcomes for young people with cancer.
By bringing together these findings, The North Star was created. This is an ambitious vision, setting out what all stages of cancer care should look like for young people.
It sets out a vision where: “Every child and young person facing cancer receives care that’s tailored to them. They feel informed and in control, and along with their families can make knowledgeable decisions about their care and future.
"They feel empowered every step of the way, facing no gaps in support or barriers to access. They have everything they need from the beginning of their cancer journey, during treatment and for as long as they need it afterwards.
The State of the System’s findings will help the partnership shape its support, individually and as a group, to meet the needs of young people living through and beyond cancer and their families.
‘I needed support’
Last summer, 80% of young people who came sailing with us for the first time had been supported by at least one of Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Lives vs Cancer or both.
Young people continue to benefit from the partnership in the way it streamlines their support, from when they are diagnosed to after treatment ends, when our work begins.
Young people like Ines (right, on left with friend Sophie), who has been supported by all three charities. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023 when she was 20. Along the way, she learned to walk again, regained her strength, and on the water, rediscovered herself and a sense of freedom.
She said: “In hospital, you’re enclosed in a small space and you barely talk to anyone. I felt lonely in a way, because I didn’t have anyone of my age around being treated in the care centre I was staying.
“As soon as I finished treatment, I couldn’t walk. I needed support, people to help me walk around the house, even if the toilet was two inches away. I’d try go to the park, but I’d have to take breaks along the way. I would feel out of breath. It took me about two months to start walking again. You’re 21 years old and can’t even open a bottle or anything.
“It took me a long time, but I’m here, still standing. And sailing! I feel freedom again, like I’m myself again. It’s good to have my strength back to be able to do this, it’s a really big success. I’ve felt comforted and welcomed. Thank God I’m able to see all of this.”
New horizons
February sees us deep in preparation mode for the season ahead. Our team are visiting hospitals and treatment centres, both virtually and in-person, across the UK.
We will be chatting to at least 35 Youth Support Coordinators from Teenage Cancer Trust, like Anna from University Hospital Wales (pictured left talking with Hayley from our Operations team), and Social Workers from Young Lives vs Cancer, who are vital in signposting young people looking for post-treatment support our way.
This year, no fewer than 35 four-and five-day adventures will take place throughout the summer, bringing together young people from all corners of the UK. Many of the new faces we are about to meet will have found us through this partnership, and volunteers from both charities will join some of them on their adventures.
Here's to another incredible year of collaboration!