We’re delighted to have recently hosted our first Long Term Follow Up education day, alongside Leeds Children’s Hospital.
After a childhood cancer diagnosis, getting back to ‘normal’ life isn’t always straightforward.
Cancer can affect people in different ways. Some might experience long-term or late side effects from treatment or the cancer itself, including issues with fertility, hormones, fatigue, mental health, fitness, hearing and more.
At Leeds Children’s Hospital, the Paediatric Oncology Long Term Follow Up service supports children and young people who are five years post-treatment, providing information and advice as they navigate their life beyond cancer.
Candlelighters have been working closely with the Long Term Follow Up team to host an ‘Own Your Future’ education day for young people aged 13-15 and their families.
The first of its kind event was held at Leeds Beckett University and brought together clinicians, charities and partners, to offer support and advice on a range of topics that may be important to young people once treatment ends.
From talks to Q&As and breakout sessions with different charities and speakers, there was lots of information and topics covered for both young people and their parents and carers.
The day created a dedicated space for both young people and their families to get valuable advice in a supportive environment.
“Supportive”, “informative”, and “thought-provoking” were some of the words families used to describe the day afterwards, with families also sharing lots of positive feedback about the talk with our Trustee, Rohan, who shared his own experience of being diagnosed with cancer as a child.
Candlelighters are incredibly proud to be part of this event, working alongside Leeds Children’s Hospital and other professionals and charities. We hope to continue this support for young people for many years to come.
We’d also like to extend our thanks to all the charities and everyone who joined us and made all the young people and their families feel so welcome.
