YOUNG LIVES VS CANCER Every year Red Funnel customers and staff select a new charity to focus our fundraising efforts on – this year we’re delighted to be working with the fantastic Young Lives vs Cancer
WHO DOES THE CHARITY HELP?
Every day in the UK 12 families are told the devastating news that their child has cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer supports children and young people aged 0-24 years and their families to face whatever cancer throws at them. Their teams have supported over 200 families from the Isle of Wight and Hampshire in the past year.
DEDICATED SOCIAL CARE
For families facing childhood cancer on the Isle of Wight the nearest specialist hospital is Southampton General Hospital, where Young Lives vs Cancer social workers are based. They provide specialist and bespoke support for the young person and their family which is practical, emotional and financial. This could be helping with a financial grant for a parent struggling to keep their child warm through treatment or for a young person who can’t afford to get to hospital. The staff help with a wide range of concerns families face from housing, anxiety, liaising with schools or workplaces to also providing bereavement support.
WHY DO THEY NEED OUR HELP?
In a normal year, children, young people and parents facing cancer experience isolation, fear, money worries. The huge impact of the pandemic only added to this. Young Lives vs Cancer is needed more than ever, and as a charity funded 100% by voluntary donations they can only continue their vital work thanks to the kindness of others. To find out more about the charity, and how you can donate, go to: redfunnel.co.uk/coty
JEAN’S HOUSE – “HOME FROM HOME”
Jean’s House is a 7-bedroom home offering free accommodation for families to stay close to Southampton General Hospital. Families are welcome to stay free of charge for as long as they need to. It’s so important that families can be close together. It also helps families financially as the charity’s research shows that on average a family needs to find an extra £600 a month whilst their child receives treatment. 128
| ISLE OF WIGHT GUIDE 2021 EDITION
