Where can I find support in my region after my child has been diagnosed with cancer?

Being told your child has cancer can feel overwhelming, and you may be looking for support closer to home. Alongside national organisations, there are many regional charities across the UK offering practical, emotional and financial support to families affected by childhood cancer.

Below is a selection of organisations offering support in different areas. If you’re unsure what’s available to you, you can also get in touch with our team for guidance.

South East England

• Abby’s Heroes (Southampton)
  Supports children and families under the care of Southampton General Hospital’s Piam Brown and TYA wards. They offer practical and financial help, as well as opportunities to create special memories together.

• Sebastian’s Action Trust (South East of England)
  Provides emotional, social and practical care for children with life-limiting conditions (0–19) and their families.

• Charity for Kids (Hastings & Rother)
  Offers financial support for specialist equipment and other needs for children with serious or life-limiting conditions.

• Children with Cancer Fund (East Sussex, Brighton & Hove)
  Grants wishes to children (up to 18) and their families, including practical, medical and fun requests, as well as group activities.

London & East of England

• The Dream Factory (Chigwell & Hainault)
  Grants dreams to children and young adults (3–25) with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, or severe disabilities.

• Wipe Away Those Tears (Essex)
  Helps grant wishes and bring moments of joy to children with serious or terminal illnesses.

South West England

• Hugs Children’s Cancer Charity (Plymouth)
  Supports families of children with rare cancers through emotional support, memory-making opportunities, and help staying connected.

Midlands

• Shine a Light (Coventry & Warwickshire)
  Provides emotional, practical and peer support for families affected by childhood cancer (supporting young people up to 24).

• Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust (Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Powys, Monmouthshire, and parts of Devon)
  Offers practical and financial support for families, alongside wider work to raise awareness of childhood cancer symptoms among healthcare professionals.

North of England

• Destination Florida Children’s Charity (North of England)
  Organises biennial trips to Florida for children (aged 6–16) with serious illnesses, offering a chance to enjoy time away and create lasting memories.

• Candlelighters (Yorkshire)
  Provides emotional, practical and financial support to families affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire.

• The Principle Trust Children’s Charity (Yorkshire)
  Offers free respite breaks and holidays for children who are disadvantaged, disabled, or living with serious illness.

• Transport for Sick Children (Greater Manchester)
  Volunteer drivers help transport children to hospital and clinic appointments where families have no other means of travel.

• The Joshua Tree (North West England & North Wales)
  Offers support for the whole family, including parents, siblings and grandparents, recognising that each family’s experience is unique.

• Together Trust (North West England)
  Provides care, support and education services for children and young people with complex needs, including those affected by cancer.

Wales

• Holibobs (Wales)
  Provides UK-based holidays for children and young people (up to 19) diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia, helping families spend quality time together.

Northern Ireland

• Cancer Fund for Children
  Offers support at home, in the community, in hospital, and at their therapeutic centre, Daisy Lodge, helping families cope with the impact of cancer.

Not sure where to start?

If you’re looking for support in your area and don’t see your region listed here, there may still be services available to you.

• Speak to your child’s clinical nurse specialist or hospital team
• Get in touch with our Family Support Team
• Explore our other FAQs on financial support, wellbeing, and practical help at the bottom of this page

Page last updated: July 28, 2026