Rooney backs campaign as SW children's cancer death rates

England captain Wayne Rooney is spearheading a campaign celebrating the courage of South West children with cancer, as new figures released today (26 November) offer increased hope of surviving the disease.

According to Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, the rate of children dying from cancer has dropped by almost a quarter (24 per cent) in the UK in the last decade.

The news comes as the charity launches its annual Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, across the South West.

Around 130 children in the region are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Relatives and friends of young cancer patients or survivors who deserve special recognition are being urged to nominate them in the run up to Christmas at cruk.org/kidsandteens

Unlike many other children’s awards, there is no judging panel because Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens and TK Maxx – the UK’s biggest corporate supporter of children’s cancer research - believe that each and every child who faces cancer is extra special.

England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney said: “As a father I find it almost impossible to imagine the impact of being told your child has cancer.

“Over the years I’ve met many youngsters being treated for this horrible disease and every time their courage, positivity and determination touch my heart. To me every one of them is a hero in the true sense of the word.”

Ten years ago around 330 children in the UK died from cancer each year but, thanks to better treatments, this has now declined to around 260 every year.

While the figures released today underline the progress being made in the fight against children’s cancers, this still means around five children die of cancer every week in the UK.

And those who do survive may live with long term side effects from their treatment, which can have an impact throughout their adult lives.
That’s why Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens is raising funds to accelerate research into kinder treatments and cures for children, teens and young adults with cancer.

The charity’s long-standing commitment to clinical trials for youngsters with the disease has been a major factor in developing modern treatments, particularly research looking at combining a number of different chemotherapy drugs.

The Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Bristol is one of 21 centres across the UK and Ireland taking part in groundbreaking research coordinated by Cancer Research UK’s Children's Cancer Trials Team. These trials make innovative new treatments available to children with cancer in Bristol.                        

For instance, one of the trials is looking at whether children with a type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma could experience fewer side effects from their treatment. Doctors want to know if children who have this form of lymphoma can safely be given less chemotherapy or even none at all, making treatment kinder for them.

Survival for children’s cancers has tripled since the 1960s and today, three quarters of children with cancer are now cured.

Karen Davis, the charity’s spokesperson for the South West, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see that, thanks to research, we’re losing fewer and fewer young lives to the disease.

“But we must make faster progress to ensure more children survive and can lead a full life after their diagnosis.

“Cancer has a devastating effect on youngsters. Treatment can last for months or even years, forcing children to show bravery beyond their years.

“It is a privilege to be able to recognise their courage with a Star Award and we would like to encourage anyone who knows an inspirational child to nominate them now.”

Recipients receive a unique trophy, a certificate signed by celebrities and a £50 TK Maxx gift card.

Other famous faces backing the awards include singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé, Strictly Come Dancing stars Kevin and Karen Clifton, children’s TV presenters Justin Fletcher and Mister Maker, and kids’ TV pop group Go!Go!Go!

TK Maxx’s support of Cancer Research UK’s Kids & Teens Star Awards is part of a wider partnership with the charity, which has raised over £22 million since 2004. Over £18 million of this has specifically supported research into children’s cancers.

Jo Murphy, Head of Corporate Responsibility for TK Maxx, said: “Cancer Research UK’s Kids & Teens Star Awards are a fantastic way of acknowledging the bravery and determination of children who have faced a cancer diagnosis.

“TK Maxx is very proud to be supporting the awards and helping to raise vital awareness and funds for research. Thousands more people are alive today thanks to the charity’s work into children’s cancers.”

Cancer Research UK’s Children’s Cancer Trials Team co-ordinates groundbreaking trials in 21 centres across the UK and Ireland. These trials make innovative new treatments available to children with cancer.

Cancer Research UK’s Kids & Teens Star Awards are open to all under-18s who have cancer or who have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

To nominate a child for an award, donate or fundraise in support of Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens visit cruk.org/kidsandteens