June 22nd marks ten years since the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust was registered as a charity. Following a move to a larger office in November and supported by a growing team of staff and volunteers, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust continues to expand its reach and impact, supporting families when they need it most.
In the past ten years, the charity has:
• 300+ million people reached through national awareness campaigns, including 389 million through our ‘You Know Them Best’ awareness campaign.
• 3.6 million childhood cancer signs & symptoms awareness cards distributed.
• More than 500 families are supported through our specialist family support service.
• £680,000 invested in pioneering childhood cancer research.
• £250,000 provided in direct financial support to families.
• 67,000+ educational resources distributed to families.
• 24 educational resources created to support families through childhood cancer.
• 2 children helped access potentially life-saving treatment unavailable on the NHS.
Established in memory of four-year-old Grace, whose wish was to help other children, this promise has grown into a nationally recognised charity. One that continually raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancers, as well as funding vital research into childhood cancers.
Dr Jen Kelly, Founder and CEO of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, said:
“The idea of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust grew from Grace’s wish to help other children. I am so grateful for the support that we have received from so many wonderful people along the way, and it is wonderful to see how many families our work is now helping.”
Kelly continues: “Time and again, families tell us that our support has been pivotal during the most difficult moments of their lives. Knowing they are not alone, that someone understands and is there to provide both emotional and practical help, can make an immeasurable difference. We are committed to supporting not just the child, but the whole family – because a cancer diagnosis affects everyone, including siblings who are so often overlooked. Every family facing childhood cancer deserves that level of care and support.”
Over the past decade, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust has touched thousands of lives bringing hope, understanding and support to families navigating the unimaginable.
Ewan Lugg, Age 16, said: I was diagnosed with leukaemia aged 10, just as the country went into lockdown in 2020, and throughout my treatment journey and beyond, the charity has helped me, and they have been amazing. Sarah [my support worker] visited me at home when I was struggling… I am proud to say that I am now a young ambassador for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust. The charity does not just support the child, they support my family too….. I just wanted to say, keep doing what you are doing, you’re amazing!
As the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust looks ahead to its next decade, it remains committed to ensuring no family faces childhood cancer alone and that more children receive earlier diagnoses and life-saving treatment.