Remember a loved one this Christmas and decorate the TBF Christmas tree. - The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation

Christmas is always such a painful time for those of us who have lost loved ones, especially if it is your child. Please will you donate to The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation in memory of a loved one you have lost in your life? All you need to do is make a donation and choose which decoration you would like to add to the tree.

Today 7 young people between the ages of 13 and 24 will have been told they have cancer!! Imagine being that young person. Their ability to cope is determined by the emotional pressures and mental health impacts of a diagnosis following months of gruelling treatment and then having to shield themselves to stay free from infection, especially during a pandemic. Much attention is on the physical effects of the cancer diagnosis but relatively little focuses on the mental health impacts. A patient's emotional well being is paramount to having a good quality of life as depression, anxiety, loneliness, panic attacks and loss of confidence often go with the physical effects of diagnosis and treatment. We meet the needs of these young people on a bespoke basis with our assistance being given in multiple ways but always with a view to relieving stress, anxiety and pressure. Ongoing assistance can be in the form of help with travel to and from hospitals for treatment, specialist equipment including mattresses and beds not provided by the NHS, IT equipment to enable the continuation of studies and interaction with peers and friends when socialisation is not possible. Access to emotional and practical support can be a lifeline for young people with cancer and their families. Help us to help them today and make a difference in their lives.