Who we are

When a child is diagnosed with cancer it threatens everything, for them and their family. At a time when they should be busy being children, enjoying their rollercoaster teenage years or finding their feet at uni, life becomes full of fear. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, of overwhelming money worries, mental health stretched to breaking point, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we get that. We are the charity that helps children and young people (0-25) and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.

We know everyone’s different, so we work hard to make sure each family has what they need to get through cancer. It could be a financial grant for a parent struggling to keep their child warm through their treatment or for a young person who can’t afford to get to hospital. Or helping a family stay together at one of our free Homes from Home close to the hospital where their child is having treatment.

And if we think families aren’t being heard by the whole system, we’re not afraid to raise their voices or shout on their behalf. Children and young people with cancer deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. We’ll always have their back, because we’ve been there before.

Powered by the kindness of our supporters, we’ll face it all together.

Our people

Who runs the world?

Our history

Where it all began

Diversity and Inclusion

We strive to be a diverse and inclusive charity.

Our Pride Promise

We exist so no young person has to face cancer alone, which includes LGBTQIA+ young people and their families.

Our impact on the environment

We have a responsibility to control and reduce our impact on the environment, for children and young people with cancer.

Our charity partners

Find support from other charities who share our mission of supporting children and young people with cancer.

Our vision 

Everyone under 25 with cancer, and their families, will get the support and help they need during their cancer treatment and beyond, including bereaved families living with emotional pain. 

We want them to thrive, not just survive, and for everyone to join in that mission.

Our values 

Our values are at the heart of how we act as an organisation and who we are. 

We are brave
We are confident
We have integrity
We are one team 

We need to be brave and confident with integrity – to make sure there is evidence behind what we are saying. We need to work collaboratively as a team – in the charity, with families, and with partner organisations.

Powered by the kindness of our supporters, we will help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.

Our work

The six ways we help

We help families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them. This is how we do it.

Our Impact 2021 – 2022

Over the last year, we've transformed our services so we can help secure equity for all young cancer patients. It's...

What’s next?

What kind of future do children and young people with cancer and their families really need?