We are thrilled to announce that we’re planning to invest up to £1m to further supportive care research for children and young people with cancer.

At Candlelighters, we have been investing in childhood cancer research for over 40 years. When Candlelighters was formed in the 1970s, sadly very few children survived. Now, thanks to scientific developments and research, we’re pleased to say that over 80% of children diagnosed with cancer go on to survive their diagnosis, with survival rates in Yorkshire being among the best in the world.

Now, more than ever, we are determined to see children who are diagnosed with cancer not only survive, but thrive, with more effective treatments and fewer long term side effects. In order to achieve this, we fund what is known as ‘supportive care’ research, which aims to find kinder treatments for children, which will improve their quality of life.

That’s why we have committed to a new major research investment of up to £1m over a period of up to five years for a supportive care research piece to benefit all children diagnosed with cancer, including beyond Yorkshire.

We’ve partnered with Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group to find the best candidates to lead this research and are excited to help lead advances in this key area. Read more about our plans in our call out for researchers, here.