Charity Partner Visit – Young Lives vs Cancer

By Stacey Ross

Young Lives Vs Cancer is one of TMHCC’s regional charity partners in Bridgend. They provide a range of support for people affected by cancer. One of their services is a free place for families to stay when their child is going through cancer treatment.

Young Lives vs Cancer recently held an open day at Paul’s House, one of their home from homes in London. Ashley Rice (CSR Manager) and I attended the open day where we were welcomed by Cerys Sadler, Regional Partnership Manager, who gave us an insight into the charity and how our fundraising has helped.  

Paul’s House is one of 11 home from homes in the UK that offers free accommodation for families. They’re close to principal treatment centres, helping families avoid the extra financial burdens of travel, accommodation and food costs when they’re child is undergoing cancer treatment. The longest family stay at the house was 56 days and sadly at this moment they are at full capacity having to put families onto a waiting list.

Francis, one of the housekeepers at Paul’s House gave us a tour to show us it really is a home from home with 16 bedrooms, 8 ensuites, 5 kitchenettes and a laundry room. They also have an outdoor space that allows many families to come together to tend to the garden.

Cerys from Young Lives vs Cancer thanked TMHCC for the continued support:
“Young Lives vs Cancer would like to say a massive thanks to the wonderful Tokio Marine HCC Bridgend staff for their fundraising efforts, along with additional donations direct from the company. An incredible amount has been raised to date! Thank you to all the staff for keeping us and the remarkable children and young people that we support, in your hearts.”

In 2022, Young Lives Vs Cancer won funding from TMHCCI’s Pick A Project initiative where employees vote to fund a specific project for a charity. Cerys talked to us about the positive impact of this grant:

“The project donation is for our crisis fund which enables us to offer grants to families to cope with the cost of living crisis such as fuel, heating, food etc. With these costs averaging £730.00 a month, Young Lives vs Cancer are able to contribute funds towards essential costs for whatever hardships the families may be facing to help them cope during the toughest of times.”

With the help of Tokio Marine HCC – Bridgend Office, Young Lives vs Cancer achieved the following in 2022: 

• Supported 173 children and young people with cancer, and their families in South Wales 
• Awarded Young Lives vs Cancer financial grants totalling £30,660 in South Wales
• Provided the charity with approximately 349 hours of educational and employment for social workers

You can find more information about Young Lives vs Cancer on the website.