Rhiannon raises £1,070 for TYAC

Not many 16 year olds would separate themselves from any sort of internet for three days. Rhiannon Percy, on the other hand, an inspiring 16 year old patient suffering with cancer did just that and raised over £1000 for the Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer Trust Fund in Derriford Hospital.

TYAC (Teenagers and Young Adults) Cancer Service bridges the gap between paediatric and adult oncology, with a wide spectrum of cancers being diagnosed in this age group.

Louise Percy, Rhiannon’s mum, said: “When Rhiannon came to hospital she was 16 years old. It was extremely difficult to know where to place her, as she wasn’t an adult nor was she a child. She found having a focus point to go to, Hannah Heayn, a Teenagers & Young Adults Specialist Nurse, made her life much easier and has helped her whilst being unwell. We really appreciate everything that Hannah has done for her.”

Hannah Heayn said: “The Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer Service is extremely grateful to Rhiannon and her family for their commitment and generosity in raising such a large amount of money to help improve the environment and services for the 16-24 year olds at Derriford Hospital. Thank you very much!”

TYAC guidance was published in 2005 after concerns that the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer were not being met and could be better understood. It was established to help all professionals involved in the care of young people with cancer, work together to improve knowledge and services.

The Trust Fund has been set up to provide age appropriate facilities & support for patients aged 16-24 and support the staff caring for them. This will primarily and firstly be used for the TYAC space but the fund will cover other things in the future such as support groups.