2026 sees national charity the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust mark ten years of incredible achievements in supporting children and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, both through physical support and by funding thousands of pounds into vital research studies.
Founded in 2016 in memory of four-year-old Grace Elizabeth Kelly, the aim of the charity is to make a positive difference to children and families facing childhood cancer, whilst fulfilling Grace’s wish of helping others, and to fund vital research into childhood cancers which receive little government investment.
In the UK, public funding for childhood cancers remains very low at only around 2% of all cancer research spending compared with adult cancers. Therefore, the research into cancers in children and young people relies heavily on charitable funders such as the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, who cumulatively invest tens of millions of pounds annually into crucial studies to improve outcomes for children.
While 10 years signals a poignant milestone, what started as a family fundraising amidst overwhelming grief, has turned into a national organisation supporting the lives of so many families in the West Midlands and across the UK, a true legacy for Grace.
To mark this decade, in June, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is holding its 10th Anniversary Charity Ball, which promises to be a truly special night of elegance, entertainment and giving back, celebrating 10 years of support for children and families facing childhood cancer.
Founder and CEO of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, Dr Jen Kelly says, “Recent research tells us that only 2% of public funding spent on cancer research in the UK is devoted to childhood cancers, which is why the work of charities such as ourselves, is so important to really boost this underfunded age group.
As the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust proudly enters its 10th anniversary year, it marks a decade of supporting families affected by childhood cancer. What began as a promise to Grace has grown into an inspiring legacy of support, compassion and impact. Thanks to the combined and tireless efforts of our wonderful volunteers, supporters, fundraisers and partners, together we have turned hope into action, and we’re only just getting started. I’m excited to see what more we can achieve in the next ten years.”
Grace’s Legacy So Far
Grace’s legacy has achieved much more than just an amount of funds raised; the full impact of positive achievement reaches across the whole spectrum of those affected by childhood cancer:
• Support Grants – in total, £194,000 has been issued as support grants for families that may need to make adjustments to their home, for travel, food and accommodation when at hospital.
• Signs and Symptoms Awareness Cards – over 3 million information cards have been distributed to parents, helping to spread the vital knowledge of what warning signs to look out for in children.
• Clinician Cards – 46,000 medical professionals have been reached with our cards, created for clinicians (either paper cards or by GP training provider materials).
• Funds awarded to Research Grants – £679,000 of research funding has been awarded to vital projects which will help save the lives of children with aggressive childhood cancers. Projects awarded through our specialist Research Advisory Panel.
• New Diagnosis Support Packs – 145 packs distributed to local hospitals, ready for when a child has just been diagnosed with cancer, containing essential and comforting items. Also known as Ladybird Bags, they provide a ‘hug in a bag’ for both parents and children.
• Publications dispersed – 60,800 publications have been handed out to parents, children, medical journals and learning materials for professionals.
In 2026 the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust message remains clear: continue Grace’s legacy to fund world-class research, to continue raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, and to ensure that no family faces childhood cancer alone.