News & Updates

Dr Ren Manias, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Southampton General Hospital and Contact's new medical adviser

Collaboration, teamwork and partnerships are vital to childhood cancer research. Ellie Wilkinson, CCLG's Research Communications Executive, explains how charities are coming together and researchers are linking up to work towards a better future for children with cancer.

Naomi Shefford-Thomas is CCLG’s Information Executive and mum to Phoebe, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2016. She tells us how invaluable online support from other parents helped her navigate her daughter’s treatment and offers advice to others looking to find the same.

Ross Long was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013. He tells us about those who supported him and how he plans to write a book to lessen the isolation of other young people diagnosed with cancer.

Leanne Connor & Dan Blamires are members of ‘Unity: The After Cure Choir’. They tell us how the choir provides patients from the Leeds long-term follow-up (LTFU) service with a warm and welcoming space to come together, have fun and support each other.

Claire Farish’s son, Max, was 11 years old when diagnosed with cancer in May 2021. She explains how her family initially felt isolated after his diagnosis, but eventually found hope, support and understanding after reaching out.

Natalie Kisby is Head of Family Support at Candlelighters, a regional charity providing emotional, practical and financial support to families of children with cancer in Yorkshire. She discusses the importance and advantages of different communities in supporting families through childhood cancer.

Senior Academic Consultant at University of York, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Leeds Children’s Hospital and CCLG member.

Proteins in our cells work together to carry out all the functions required for life. My research team at the University of Southampton studies the interactions between proteins in cancer cells, which allows us to understand which proteins drive the formation of cancers and how they contribute to cancer severity.