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Young Lives vs Cancer x Signet
Children with cancer and their families are being failed by the systems that surround them. Their unique needs aren’t recognised and their wellbeing isn’t a priority. Together, we’re going to change that.
The systems and policies that surround children with cancer and their families just aren’t good enough. They're leaving lasting damage on young lives. But together, we have the power to make change happen. Our North Star vision is ground-breaking, systemic change. It’s a reality where children’s voices and needs are heard loud and clear. A future where their wellbeing is as much of a priority as their cancer treatment. This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re starting to make that vision a reality. We know where we’re going, and we know how to get there. Now we need you to help us. The transformation starts now.
For more information on Young Lives vs Cancer visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Arla’s Story
Young cancer patient Arla Laughland, 2 from Edinburgh, received a special Christmas surprise in the post and is one of the very first people in the UK to have their own Buddy the bear.
Every year, H Samuel sell a limited-edition bear to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer, the UK’s leading charity for children and young people with cancer. This year’s bear, Buddy, is being sold in H Samuel stores across the UK to support children and young people with cancer, like Arla, this Christmas.
Arla, 2, from West Lothian, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in her eye, medulloblastoma, at only a few months old in 2022. Her family have been travelling to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for treatment ever since.
Mum Joanna said: “I was in complete shock right from the start. When the doctor told me she could see a tumour in her eye, it almost didn’t seem real. I knew what she was saying and I heard what she was saying but I think I was in so much shock I couldn’t process it.”
Arla’s family has been supported by Young Lives vs Cancer throughout their treatment. They have been supported by a Young Lives vs Cancer Specialist Social Worker, helping to provide grants and financial support to help with the costs of cancer.
Joanna said: ““Without Young Lives vs Cancer we probably wouldn’t have had the ability to apply for different things financially, the Social Worker has helped us understand what we are able to apply for, what we’re entitled to. It’s things like applying for a mobility car – I never would have known I was entitled to do that.”
Arla received their Buddy the Bear as a special Christmas surprise in the post and the video of this special moment when they first met their cuddly new friend has been shared as part of the fundraising campaign launch. Buddy the bear will be raising money to support children and young people with cancer, like Arla, this winter.
Last year in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Young Lives vs Cancer supported 87 families, giving out 60 financial grants to the value of £13,219 helping families to cope with the costs of cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer’s Edinburgh Home from Home, Ciaran’s House, helps to keep families together when their child is going through treatment. It’s more than a place to stay, it’s a chance to have a home-cooked meal together or a mug of hot chocolate while reading a bedtime story.
Elizabeth Lowrey, Strategic Partnerships Lead at Young Lives vs Cancer, says: “We absolutely love this year’s Young Lives vs Cancer Christmas bear Buddy, and want to thank H Samuel for their continued support in helping us be there for children and young people with cancer.
“H Samuel has been supporting Young Lives vs Cancer for ten years and sales from their annual Christmas bears have raised over £480,000 for children and young people with cancer. As well as purchasing this year’s new Christmas bear, supporters can also buy bears from previous years by heading to our website to collect them all.”
Young Lives vs Cancer’s Christmas teddy bear, Buddy is available now for £10.99. Every purchase will help support children and young people with cancer, like Arla. Buddy is available in H Samuel stores across the UK. They can also be purchased on Young Lives vs Cancer’s online shop.