Support accessing treatment not available on the NHS

Some families explore treatment options that are not routinely available on the NHS, such as certain clinical trials or private treatments. This might be with the aim of helping their child stay in remission after frontline or other treatment or because the cancer has returned. This can feel daunting, especially when it involves unfamiliar healthcare systems, international hospitals, and complex logistics. Solving Kids’ Cancer UK can support families through this process with clear information, practical guidance and compassionate support. 

Our approach 

Solving Kids’ Cancer UK does not encourage or promote access to treatment abroad. We also do not provide medical advice, determine treatment plans, or make clinical recommendations. All medical decisions, including whether additional treatment should be considered and whether travel overs is appropriate, should be made with your child’s UK clinical team. However, we understand why some families access treatment options not available on the NHS and so, working in partnership with a child's clinical team, we will do our best to support families who choose this path. 

Our support  

One way we can support your family to access treatment outside of the NHS is by hosting and managing a dedicated fundraising campaign. You can read more about this on the page linked below. 

Fundraising for treatment with Solving Kids’ Cancer UK. 

The additional practical help we can provide depends on whether you are fundraising through a Solving Kids' Cancer UK campaign or independently, as this shapes which tasks we can take on directly. Whatever your situation though, every family can receive support with accessing treatment from us, emotionally, practically, and in a way that feels right for them. This can include: 

• emotional support and a safe space to talk 

• guidance on what accessing treatment abroad may involve 

• help thinking through practical and logistical considerations 

• signposting to reliable and accurate information and resources 

• support during decision‑making and periods of uncertainty 

When Solving Kids’ Cancer UK is hosting your fundraising campaign  

When we host your fundraising campaign and therefore, hold the funds that will be used to access treatment, we can take on additional practical and administrative tasks that can ease the pressure on families. This can include: 

Liaising with the treatment centre

We can communicate directly with hospitals abroad to help register your child for treatment, share required information safely, coordinate updates, and make treatment payments. 

Negotiating treatment costs and payment terms

Where possible, we work with treatment centres to seek fair pricing and agree suitable payment arrangements. 

Arranging travel and accommodation

We can book and pay for flights and accommodation directly using the funds held in line with the agreed treatment budget, helping reduce the practical and emotional load of organising travel. 

Providing spending funds during each treatment period abroad

We can grant funds to support day‑to‑day living costs overseas — such as food, local transport and essential items — in accordance with the agreed treatment budget and fund governance. 

Maintaining close contact throughout treatment 

We stay in regular contact, offering guidance, reassurance, and practical support throughout the treatment period. Families can check in with us as often as they need to.