CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association

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CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association

A charity dedicated to creating a brighter future for children and young people with cancer. www.cclg.org.uk

We are CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association, a charity dedicated to creating a brighter future for children and young people with cancer. Powered by expertise, we unite the children and young people’s cancer community, driving collective action and progress. Research is the key to better treatments, improved care, and potential cures. We fund and lead world-class research, fuelli

ng groundbreaking work led by brilliant minds. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach—bringing together the right people and organisations to drive progress and deliver real impact. We provide trusted information and guidance for children and young people with cancer, their families, and everyone supporting them. Our expertise helps them navigate the challenges of cancer and its impact, offering reassurance and clarity when it’s needed most. Through our professional membership, we bring together the brightest minds in children and young people’s cancer, creating a national network that drives progress. Together, we shape better treatment and care - developing guidelines, sharing knowledge, offering expert advice, leading pioneering research, and creating essential resources and education for professionals. Our collective expertise sets the standard, advocating for excellence at every level—local, national, and global. CCLG and The Children & Young People's Cancer Association are trading names of The Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group, registered charity in England and Wales (1182637) and Scotland (SC049948).

23/06/2026

After being diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer at the age of 35, Garry Burrill underwent five weeks of intensive daily radiotherapy and major surgery to remove a tumour from his thigh, losing part of his leg in the process.

Following years of fitness issues, pain and setbacks after treatment, Garry set himself an extraordinary goal: to walk 10 million steps in one year - representing one million steps for every year he has been cancer-free ✨

The challenge, equivalent to around 181 marathons, raised funds for Louie's Research Fund, a CCLG Special Named Fund supporting research into T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in memory of Louie Jones, who sadly died from cancer in 2020 aged just 14.

Louie was a close friend of Garry's son and a player Garry coached at football.

Inspired by the positive impact of his fundraising, Garry is determined to keep pushing himself physically and to keep making a difference by continuing to fundraise for children and young people with cancer.

Our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of fundraisers, donors, and supporters who share our mission. Congratulations, Garry, on an incredible achievement 👏🏼

21/06/2026

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, stepdads, grandads and father figures supporting a child or young person with cancer 🩵

We know Father’s Day can bring lots of different emotions. Whether you're celebrating, remembering, or simply getting through the day, you're not alone.

Fiona, mum to Ivy, shared: “Chris was the best of dads to Ivy. We sadly lost her to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in August 2020. Together they shared the best adventures, so much laughter and countless hours of Fortnite. She was so gentle, kind, caring and courageous - qualities she got from her dad.”

We know how important it is to honour special memories and the people who mean so much to us. That's why we've created a safe space where you can share a favourite photo, cherished memory or message of appreciation for a dad or father figure who inspires you.

Make a dedication at https://bit.ly/4dZLW4L

18/06/2026

“We're thankful that we had a very cautious GP who acted very quickly in referring Oliver for further testing and we believe this aided his quick diagnosis and treatment.”

Oliver was diagnosed with Wilms tumour, a type of kidney cancer, when he was just one year old.

He had been experiencing a range of symptoms that persisted and gradually worsened, which started with a prominent lump in his neck. This prompted his mum, Ceri-Anne, to take him to see their GP, who then referred him to hospital for further investigations.

Ceri-Anne said: “Oliver had been a well-baby and met all expected milestones and initially the doctors at the hospital thought it to be viral. However, his symptoms continued and one day he became fussy and lethargic. We returned to the hospital for second time where they felt a lump in his tummy and his blood results came back as abnormal.

“Oliver went on to have surgery to remove his kidney, followed by 26 weeks of chemotherapy and eight sessions of radiotherapy to reduce his chances of relapse. He took all of his treatment in his stride, even the many hospital stays due to illnesses caused by his low immune system.

"Oliver is now six years in remission and has been discharged from oncology follow-up after consistently clear scans. He will continue to attend annual ‘late effects’ appointments to monitor any potential long-term effects of his treatment and to support and educate him in leading a healthy lifestyle as he moves into adolescence and adulthood, especially as he now has only one kidney.

"Looking at him now, you would never know what he has been through. He’s an active, happy, and thriving boy who loves spending time outdoors."

Spotting cancer in children and young people early means better outcomes, fewer long-term effects and the best chance of survival. That’s why we’re dedicated to making sure children and young people with symptoms of cancer get a diagnosis as quickly as possible."

Early diagnosis can save lives – learn to spot the signs at https://bit.ly/4elcmiR

17/06/2026

Evie Mattison was nine years old when her brother, Dan, was diagnosed with leukaemia as a teenager in 2014. This experience had a huge impact on her family and has significantly shaped who she is today.

Evie is now in her third and final year at Newcastle University, studying Pharmacology. Through her studies, she is gaining a deeper understanding of the complexity and dedication involved in developing and delivering treatments.

Evie said: "Having a personal connection makes my studies more meaningful and motivates me to want to help and to be a part of the process. Being involved in real research has really solidified my interest in cancer research, particularly in drug discovery and development, as I’ve seen just how important this work is."

Evie’s experience highlights how lived experience can inspire the next generation of researchers, something we are proud to support through our Early Career Researcher Network, which brings together and supports early career researchers across our professional membership.

14/06/2026

"Father’s Day is simultaneously the best and worst day for memories of my son, Ben. It is both the day we brought him home from the hospital after his birth in 2005 and the day his cancer relapsed, leading to his death less than four months later."

With Father’s Day fast approaching, we understand that it can bring a range of emotions for many. Whatever this day means for you, and however it feels, you’re not alone 🩵

Mike, whose son, Ben, passed away from lymphoma in 2021, said: "I will always remember the nurse handing me my first Father’s Day card with a print of Ben’s tiny foot. And then, 16 years later, he fell into my arms on a walk to the beach and told me he knew his cancer was back."

Ahead of Father’s Day next Sunday, and on what would have been Ben’s 21st birthday today, we’d love to invite you to share a special memory or photo with your child or children, or a message of appreciation for a father figure who inspires you.

Make your dedication at https://bit.ly/4dZLW4L

11/06/2026

How are we improving outcomes for children and young people with cancer? 🎗️💛

We believe it takes a community, driven by a shared commitment to make a difference. At CCLG, our members form an expert network of professionals across the UK and Ireland, collaborating to share knowledge, shape care, and drive research that leads to meaningful change for patients.

We’re proud to support many of our members whose research has the potential to transform care and improve the quality of life for young people with cancer.

CCLG member Professor Matthew Murray, who is working on developing safer treatments for childhood brain tumours, shared the potential impact of his research: "If our project is successful, the findings could be practice-changing - the use of monotherapy would be one of the biggest changes in treatment seen for these patients in recent decades."

Read more about how our members are making a difference at https://bit.ly/4xd7ZgW

07/06/2026

“I’m now 10-years post-treatment and, though I still want to give back where I can, I’m also looking ahead. I’ve recently bought a house with my partner, and I am looking forward to the future in it. I feel grateful for where I’m at.”

Madison Joyce was just 22 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Now 32, she shares what life looks like today.

Madison said: "While cancer is an awful thing to happen to anybody, let alone a young person, it's shaped my life incredibly. After my treatment, I knew I wanted to be a part of something that could help others. I remember thinking about when I met with my oncologist, and all the amazing medicines that he put me on and how they worked in so many ways. Years later, I’m now a medicines management technician in a hospital – my dream job – and get to help so many people with all sorts of conditions and illnesses, including cancer.

"I know what it’s like to be lying in a hospital bed and I carry that empathy with me in all my conversations with patients. I’ll also always make them aware of charities that can support them. It's my little way of doing something else to help."

To help individuals live a healthy life after having cancer as a child, teenager or young adult, our Living Beyond Cancer information provides clear, expert guidance developed by our multi-professional members.

Read more at https://bit.ly/49IS7sF

02/06/2026

“The hair loss, for me, was the hardest part of cancer treatment. As a pre-teen, I didn’t think much of it. But once I entered high school, it hit me just how much our hair shapes our sense of identity.”

Kira Noble was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 11 in 2014, with a tumour the size of a watermelon inside her. She shares how losing her hair during treatment affected her and how her experiences have shaped her choice of career.

Kira said: “Each round of treatment left its mark. My appearance swung between extremes: painfully thin one month, puffy from steroids the next. I didn't feel like myself and started to really struggle with my appearance.

"Losing my hair was the most devastating part. I no longer recognised myself. My eyebrows and eyelashes disappeared, too. Having my wigs helped and ended up becoming a safety blanket for me. Nothing could replace that positive feeling of looking in the mirror and seeing yourself with “hair.”

“Cancer doesn’t just change your body. It changes your identity.”

Now 22, Kira is training to become a hairdresser, with the hope of specialising in hair loss and wig work. She wants to support others going through the same struggles she once faced - turning her pain into purpose.

At CCLG, we provide trusted information and guidance for children and young people with cancer, their families, and everyone who supports them. Our expertise helps them navigate the challenges of cancer and its impact, offering reassurance and clarity when it’s needed most.

Read out more about coping with changes to your body at https://bit.ly/4ucHQw9

28/05/2026

“I don’t think anything could have prepared us for our child being diagnosed with cancer, nor can I fully put it into words - it was life-changing, and our lives will never be the same again.”

Darcey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in November 2022 when she was just 17 months old.

She experienced a cluster of symptoms that progressively worsened over time. These included constant viruses and high temperatures, extreme fatigue, night sweats, joint pain, and bruising.

Darcey’s mum, Sophie, said: “Because she was so young, Darcey couldn’t tell us how she was feeling. She used to drop to the floor in agony, clutching her legs, screaming when we tried to put shoes on her feet. As we got closer to the diagnosis, her stomach became very swollen, and her skin was pale with a yellow/grey tint.”

After several visits to the GP and A&E, where she was told it was a virus, constipation or due to her age, Sophie made an appointment to request a referral to a paediatrician, as in her gut she knew something wasn’t right.

After a blood test at the hospital, it was discovered that Darcey’s blood levels were dangerously low, and she needed an immediate blood and platelet transfusion.

Darcey is now 17 months post-treatment and is doing incredibly well - thriving at school, being the best big sister to her little brother, and recently celebrating her fifth birthday. “She is the bravest and strongest girl, with the most amazing, caring, and sassy personality to match.”

“Darcey always tells us what she wants to be when she grows up. She says she’d like to be "a doctor or a nurse, so that I can make people better, like they made me better." I think that’s a real testament to her team and the care they’ve given her.” 👩🏼‍⚕️

At CCLG, we’re dedicated to making sure children and young people with symptoms of cancer get a diagnosis as quickly as possible. Through our Child Cancer Smart campaign, we provide symptom lists for parents, along with guidance for medical professionals on how to identify potential cancer symptoms in children, and what to do if they suspect a child or teenager has cancer.

Learn to spot the signs at www.cclg.org.uk/childcancersmart

Address

3rd Floor, Office 5, 24 De Montfort Street
Leicester
LE17GB

Telephone

+443330507654

Website

http://www.cclg.org.uk/

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