September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – an important opportunity for school communities to learn more about the impact of cancer on children and young people, and to turn that awareness into action.
Every day in the UK, 12 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer. Treatment often begins immediately and can last for up to three years. It may take place many miles from home at one of the UK’s 19 principal children’s cancer treatment centres, turning everyday family life upside down. In Scotland, treatment centres are in three cities; Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Alongside the emotional strain, families face practical and financial pressures. On average, they have to find an extra £700 every month during treatment, at a time when parents may be working fewer hours or giving up work altogether to care for their child. Although survival rates are now over 80%, cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease among children and young people in the UK.
Facing it together Young Lives vs Cancer is the leading UK charity supporting children and young people with cancer, aged 0–25, and their families. From the moment of diagnosis, the charity’s specialist social workers provide personalised practical, emotional and financial support – in hospital, at home or over the phone.
Working alongside doctors, nurses and other NHS professionals, they help families navigate benefits and grants, cope with the pressures of treatment, and manage challenges involving education and employment. The charity also provides bereavement support. Across the UK, its 10 Homes from Home give families a free place to stay close to hospital, easing travel costs and helping them remain together during treatment. The charity has two Homes from Home in Scotland – Ciaran’s House in Edinburgh, and Marion’s House in Glasgow, Between them, they are able to provide vital accommodation from families from across Scotland.
Young Lives vs Cancer also carries out research, campaigns for policy change and champions young people’s voices with decision-makers. But this vital work depends on charitable donations – and schools can play a powerful part. Cancer affects every young person differently. Some can continue their education as usual, while others need time away during treatment. Schools and teaching staff can provide vital continuity, helping young people stay connected to learning amid the disruption cancer causes. Young Lives vs Cancer offers guidance for anyone supporting a student with cancer: https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/cancer-info-support/education/my-student-has-cancer/
Bring your school together Fundraising can be a positive, practical way for pupils, staff and families to unite behind children and young people facing cancer. It can be as simple or ambitious as your school chooses. Hold a
non-uniform day, bake sale or quiz; organise a sponsored readathon, danceathon, walk or sports challenge; run a talent show, art competition or seasonal fair; or invite pupils to develop their own fundraising ideas.
A whole-school target can build excitement, while class or house challenges create a friendly sense of competition. Pupils can use their creativity by designing posters, making items to sell or sharing progress in assemblies and newsletters. Choosing an activity that suits your school’s age groups, interests and resources will help everyone feel able to take part.
Whatever you choose, every pound raised will help young cancer patients and their families face the practical, emotional and financial impact of a diagnosis. Fundraising can also help pupils develop teamwork, empathy, creativity and confidence, while showing them that small actions can add up to meaningful change.
Ready to get your school involved? Visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/support-us/fundraise-for-us/ for more ideas, practical guidance and resources to help you get started. Together, your school can stand with children and young people with cancer and help families face it all.
