[A]N AWARD scheme recognising the courage of children diagnosed with cancer is being launched today in Cumbria and is supported by Oscar award winning actress Emma Thompson and celebrity couple Peter and Emily Andre.
Around 175 children are diagnosed with cancer in the North West every year.
The celebrities are backing the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, which celebrates the strength shown by young people who have been affected by cancer.
Nominations for this year’s awards have now opened and the charity is calling on people to nominate young cancer patients and survivors from across Cumbria.
Emma Thompson, said: “Every day, around 11 young people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK. I can’t think how scary that must be for them and how strong they have to be.
“I’m so proud to support the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards, as every child facing cancer should be honoured. If I could use Nanny McPhee’s magical walking stick to stop anyone getting cancer, I would.”
Alison Barbuti, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens in Cumbria, said: “The Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards in partnership with TK Maxx recognises young people who have survived or are currently being treated for cancer.
“Our mission is to fund research to find new, better and kinder treatments for children and young people diagnosed with cancer in Cumbria, and across the UK. We want to bring forward the day when no young person dies of the disease, and ensure that those who survive, do so with a good quality of life.
“So we’re calling on people in Cumbria to nominate inspirational youngsters for this year’s Star Awards so that we can recognise their incredible courage.”
The awards are open to all under-18s who currently have cancer or have been treated for the disease in the last five years. All nominated children will receive a trophy, £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and certificate signed by Emma Thompson and a whole host of famous faces Una Healy, Louis Smith, Aston Merrygold and Peter and Emily Andre.
Since 2004, TK Maxx has raised over £32 million for Cancer Research UK’s work through stock and cash donations. Of this, over £28 million is supporting pioneering research into children’s cancers specifically, and £4 million supporting general cancer research. Their next campaign is Christmas Sock Day on 6 December.
Peter Andre, said: “I know how hard it is to hear that someone you love has cancer and to lose them – it’s just completely devastating. And as a parent, all you want to do is protect your kids – no one should have to face something like this. I am in awe of the strength these kids show, and that’s why I’m so proud to be supporting the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards. Money raised will help find new, better and kinder treatments for children and young people with cancer, which is so important.”
Emily Andre, said: “As a doctor, all I want to do is be able to make people better, and as a mum I know how hard it is to see your child sick. These children show amazing courage through such a difficult time. They are all stars and I’m honoured to support the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards and celebrate their strength. No child should die from cancer, and we need to find new, better and kinder treatments to make sure those who survive have the best life possible.”
To nominate a child for an award, visit cruk.org/kidsandteens
