£1 million pledged towards research centre tackling side-effects of childhood cancer treatment

Posted on 20 November 2023

Yorkshire children's cancer charity Candlelighters has partnered with the University of York to establish a new £1m research centre.

Yorkshire children's cancer charity Candlelighters has partnered with the University of York to establish a new £1m research centre to find better ways to manage the side effects children endure during treatment. The centre will fund research into preventing side effects of treatment, managing pain and reducing infection.

Despite the effectiveness of cancer treatments, side effects are particularly harsh on children’s bodies. Of all children who die with cancer, 1 in 3 will die not because of the cancer, but because of the side effects of treatment.

Bob Phillips, Professor of Paediatrics and Evidence Synthesis at the University of York and Hull York Medical School (HYMS), and the director of the new centre, said: “Our research won’t cure cancer, but it will make a bigger difference to more people, faster. It will focus on identifying ways of managing pain and infection as a result of treatment.”

Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters, said, “For over 45 years, our charity, Candlelighters, has supported thousands of Yorkshire children and families through childhood cancer ... We’ve seen first-hand the devastating effect this disease has. The suffering a child goes through during their treatment, which sadly can result in death for some, is heartbreaking, and we are determined to do something about it.”

The Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre officially launched on 9th November at an event at the University, with support from My Renewable Energy Ltd. The launch saw members of the Yorkshire business community and individuals from across the county come together in a shared desire to improve the lives of children with cancer.

The centre will save lives, reduce suffering and bring hope to children and young people with cancer, not just in Yorkshire, but around the world.

If you would like to find out more about the partnership please contact Sharon Godwin, Philanthropy Manager (Life and Health Science) sharon.godwin@york.ac.uk