Practical & Financial Assistance

The Sophie’s Sparkle Fund was set up by Alex and Kirsty Taylor in 2021 as a legacy for their daughter, Sophie. They hope this Fund will bring a smile to your child’s face.

You can apply for up to £250 for an experience or for something that will bring your child battling cancer some joy.

Rainbow Trust provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with life-threatening or terminal illness. Each family is matched with a Family Support Worker who gives them practical and emotional support for as long as help is needed. The Rainbow Trust support the whole family including parents, carers, the unwell child, siblings and grandparents. Please check their website for the geographical areas covered by this service. Online support is also available to families who meet certain criteria, regardless of location.

Young Lives vs Cancer provides support to families dealing with children and young people’s cancer by offering free accommodation at their Homes from Home. These homes are conveniently located near specialist treatment centres, alleviating the financial strain of travel, accommodation, and food expenses. By staying at Homes from Home, families can focus on their child or young person’s treatment and be together during this challenging period.

EACH provide a comprehensive range of care and support services is offered by a dedicated team of professionals. This team includes qualified nurses, clinical nurse specialists, counsellors, care assistants, play specialists, music therapists, art therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a family therapist, spiritual care advisors, chaplains, chefs, housekeeping staff, and a consultant nurse. We have a sensory room at each site which provide magical memory making experiences. The rooms can be set up to suit the needs of an individual, small group or family.

Starlight’s mission is to bring joy, laughter, and the freedom to enjoy cherished activities to seriously ill children in hospitals. Through our Boost Boxes, Distraction Boxes, Events and Experiences, and other initiatives, Starlight aims to help children set aside their worries and experience the pure delight of childhood.

Starlight understands that play is not just about fun; it plays a vital role in a child’s development, communication, and self-discovery. That’s why they are dedicated to ensuring that children have the opportunity to play and thrive, even in the face of illness.

Make A Wish rekindles the spirit of childhood that was stolen by critical illness. Make-A-Wish empowers children by giving them the opportunity to choose a wish that is truly their own, even when so many other decisions have been made for them due to their health circumstances. By doing so, a wish ignites hope, brings forth happiness, and creates cherished memories for the entire family to hold dear.

Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund recognise the significance of taking a brief escape as a crucial element for maintaining family bonds amidst the difficult journey of childhood cancer. That is why they offer complimentary Respite Breaks and provide spending money to support families.

During this time away from hospitals, doctors, and treatments, families can embrace the opportunity to unwind and create cherished new moments together.

The Little Brain Box, shaped like a toolbox, is a valuable resource filled with essential items to support and inform children, parents, and the entire family. This toolkit is provided free of charge by Little Brainstrust and is specifically designed for families with a child or teenager facing a brain tumour diagnosis.

The Brainy Bag is a free gift from The Brain Tumour Charity specially designed for children and young people under the age of 18 who have received a brain tumour diagnosis. The bag is filled with toys and activities. Follow the link below to request one.

When receiving a diagnosis of a brain tumour, financial concerns can quickly become a source of worry with the challenges of balancing caregiving responsibilities with work. Brainstust aim to address the topic of financial support for brain tumour patients and offer guidance on the following areas:

• Assistance from welfare and benefits advisor volunteers
• Relevant organisations providing helpful guidance
• Financial aid for medication expenses
• Travel insurance considerations

Brainstrust aims to provide the necessary information to alleviate financial worries during your brain tumour journey.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, they understand the immense financial burden families face when dealing with childhood cancer. From travel expenses to loss of income due to time away from work and the reliance on carer’s benefits, there are multiple ways it can impact you. However, Young Lives vs Cancer is here to support you during these challenging times by providing grants that aim to alleviate some of the financial strain and help you when you need it the most.

The Brain Tumour Charity has partnered with Citizens Advice to offer specialised benefits and money advice to individuals affected by brain tumours and their parents/carers who may need to stop working to provide care throughout the day. They help people affected by brain tumours access the financial support they are entitled to and provide advice on effective money management.

The experienced advisors from The Brain Tumour Charity can answer your questions about claiming benefits and explain the financial support you may be eligible for.

When a child suddenly becomes ill, there’s no time to plan. We’re here to give families one less thing to worry about by giving them a place to stay, free of charge just minutes from their child’s bedside.

Our ‘Homes from Home’ are a place where families can take a step back from their situation and feel safe and relaxed in a welcoming and warm environment

The financial strain on your family during childhood cancer is significant. Expenses such as travel costs, unpaid work leave, and reliance on carer’s benefits can have a profound impact. At Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund, they understand these challenges and are dedicated to providing grants that offer assistance during your time of need.

Macmillan Grants offer a single payment of £350, providing assistance with the additional expenses that come with living with cancer. These grants can be utilized to support various needs, including:

• Travel costs associated with hospital visits
• Home Energy bills
• Home adaptations
• Travel costs for hospital visits
• Other additional expenses resulting from cancer.

In addition to Macmillan Grants, we also provide information on alternative grants and loans that are accessible to individuals living with cancer.