Kids Cancer Charity was established in 1989 as Christian Lewis Trust to help children with cancer and their families. Its objectives remain unchanged as we continue to strive to help all children affected by cancer but we have, over the last 25 years broadened the range of scope of the services we offer.
Although the incidence of childhood cancer has increased since the 1960’s, it is most gratifying that with the advances in the management and treatment of cancer, eight out of ten children now survive five years more. With the growing numbers of childhood cancer incidence and survivors, the charity remains committed to reach all those children and their families who may need its help.
Our Aims
To improve the quality of life for children and teenagers affected by cancer. To provide emotional and practical support that complements and adds value to the services provided by the statutory authorities. To recognise that childhood cancer affects the entire family. Who do we help? Children and teenagers who have cancer Siblings of children/teenagers who have been diagnosed with cancer. Children/teenagers who are on treatment Children/teenagers who are having palliative care for terminal cancer Sibling of children/teenagers who have a terminal prognosis Children/teenagers who have been bereaved by cancer The families of any of the above children and teenagers.
Kids Cancer Charity - HISTORY
Kids Cancer Charity - Compassionate Care breaks in the UK
We are so busy with our lives that we forget how precious and fragile life can be. When illness strikes it can be devastating, but when it happens to our children, it can be crushing. Stuart’s Story When Stuart was diagnosed with cancer his parents and family were devastated. Stuart began what felt like a never ending cycle after cycle of treatment, leaving Stuart and his family exhausted. Stuart desperately needed a break away from hospitals and spend some time with his family. His parents were distraught, trying to comfort and console Stuart whilst his younger brother and sister could not understand why Stuart was getting all the attention and cuddles.
The hospital contacted the charity to see if we could help them and arrange a UK holiday break for the family at short notice that fitted in with Stuart’s treatment. The charity arranged for Stuart and his family to have a holiday at one of the charity’s holiday homes at Lydstep Beach Holiday Park in Tenby, South Wales. The charity also put the family in touch with the local paediatric oncology hospital just in case they needed it.
This holiday respite enabled Stuart and his family put life back into perspective. These breaks can often help to reunite families and restore their feeling of belonging by giving them time away together in beautiful surroundings. It is time when families can forget their problems for a short while and laugh together, talk or just have some quiet time away from hospitals and everything clinical.
Life changes when a child is diagnosed with cancer and family life is disrupted, as Stuart and his family quickly learnt. Parents and children find that a stress free break can have magical therapeutic powers as some of these comments from our very special families have shown us:-
“Due to Bradley spending time in hospital we have been passing like ships in the night as a family. To spend time together was so precious.”
“The best part was seeing Demi play in the sand and paddle in the sea; she was laughing and smiling more than I’ve seen her do for ages.”
“Seeing Ryan run freely on a beautiful sandy beach and to be able to go into the water for the first time since
he was diagnosed 2 years ago was priceless.”
“Many thanks for your generosity in letting us use the beautiful caravan.
Bless you and those who make such holidays possible for people like us.”
During the past year 573 individuals had a cost-free break at one of our mobile homes in Wales.
Kids for Life donates £500 to Kids Cancer CharityKids for Life has presented Kids Cancer Charity with a cheque for £500 towards our Compassionate Care Respite Programme UK.
The South Wales-based charity has three luxury caravans which provide families with seaside breaks at locations along the Welsh coastline.
In 2016 Kids Cancer Charity (formerly Christian Lewis Trust) will commemorate 27 years of caring and supporting families affected by cancer. Since 1989, the charity has helped many thousands of families and gained UK-wide recognition for its work and activities. “We believe that quality of life for children affected by cancer is a right. To work with them and their families is a privilege”
Eira Gwynn, Appeals Office Manager at Kids Cancer Charity, said: “At Kids Cancer Charity we are best known for our holiday programmes which offer families of children with cancer much needed time away from the pressures of hospital and treatment. Many children affected from cancer are not well enough to journey outside of the country so our luxury seaside caravans provide accessible respite for families who need a break closer to home.
“As a small charity we are entirely dependent on voluntary donations to maintain the services we provide so you can appreciate our delight when Mr Andrew Ager from Kids for Life rang to tell us they were donating £500. We hope Kids for Life generosity will inspire more people to support our cause.”
Kids Cancer Charity
Dear KFL,
Thank you so much for your donation of £500 received on the 7th December 2015. Please find attached your invoice receipt.
On behalf of everyone at Kids Cancer Charity established as Christian Lewis Trust in 1989 it is my great pleasure to thank you and everyone at Kids for Life for your very kind and generous support. It is invaluable to the work we do.
We have now been providing our services to families for 25 years, and it is only through the generosity of individuals such as you that we are able to continue, and indeed enhance, the work of the charity to meet the ever-increasing demands placed upon its limited resources.
Your donation will be used to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families helping them through the unimaginable stress they live with on a daily basis.
With enough care and understanding it is possible to provide fun and laughter even in those difficult circumstances.
With Kind Regards & Best Wishes,
Eira Gwynn Eira Gwynn
Appeals Office Manager