Back to school: the importance of friendship
As a new school year begins, children and young people are reconnecting with classmates, making plans and settling back into school routines. But for children affected by a brain tumour, returning to school can be a very different experience. Treatment can mean months away from the classroom and missing the everyday moments that help friendships […]
Better Together Camp 2026 – ‘a life changing experience’
From 19th – 22nd June, Tom’s Trust held our second ever ‘Better Together Camp’. 18 boys aged 9–14, all living with a brain tumour, came together for a weekend filled with fun, friendship, adventure and plenty of laughter. We had the pleasure of being joined by twenty incredible volunteers, both from Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool – and three of […]
Cumbrian teen speaks out about his brain tumour diagnosis: Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month
April is Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month, and for many young people across the UK, it will be a time to reflect on their diagnosis. Approximately 500 children and young people aged 0-19 are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year in the UK – that is 10 a week. Following his brain […]
Family recalls daughter’s life-changing diagnosis this Brain Tumour Awareness Month
March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month, and for thousands of parents across the UK, it will be a time to reflect on their child’s devastating diagnosis. Approximately 500 children and young people aged 0-19 are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year in the UK – that is 10 a week. Tom’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity […]
You Did It! Big Give Christmas Challenge Target Exceeded
Thanks to your incredible generosity, Tom’s Trust raised an amazing £23,941 during the Big Give Christmas Challenge, exceeding our target and making a real difference for children with brain tumours and their families. Because of you, more families will now be able to access the life-changing psychological support they need and deserve, at some of […]
Meet Harry – our new Young Ambassador
Harry, 11, from Liverpool, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020. After being treated by the team at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and whilst being supported by the Tom’s Trust clinical psychology team, based at the hospital, he has made the inspirational decision to join us as a Young Ambassador. The role will […]
Our Thames Valley service holds a Beads of Life session
“I’m not alone and that I’ve been through hard stuff and it is not my fault.” One of our attendees when reflecting on what they learnt about themself at the session. This Summer our Tom’s Trust Network Fund paid for a Beads of Life session at our Thames Valley service centre in Oxford. The Tom’s […]
Our new Sibling Young Ambassador, Lucia
Lucia’s little sister, Camille, was diagnosed with an Ependymoma brain tumour in 2009, when she was just 26 months old and Lucia was three. While Camille underwent treatment, Lucia, from Woodbridge, Suffolk, was cared for by her relatives, from her grandparents to aunts and uncles. Now, 16 years on, Lucia, now 20, has chosen to […]
What ‘Back to School’ looks like for our families
Going back to school can be an exciting time for millions of children and young people across the UK – but for some, this isn’t the reality. For children and young people living with, or recovering from, brain tumours, the new school year is likely to bring several physical, psychological and social challenges. Children with […]
Meet Elliott – our new Young Ambassador
Elliott, 12, from County Durham, was diagnosed with a brain tumour three years ago. After being treated by the team at Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle and whilst being supported by the Tom’s Trust psychology team, based at the hospital, he has made the inspirational decision to join us as a Young Ambassador. Elliott’s story Elliott […]
Better Together with the first ever Tom’s Trust camp!
Last weekend Tom’s Trust held the first ever Tom’s Trust Better Together Camp. We took 15 girls aged between eight and 12 years old, all of whom are living with a brain tumour, to Calvert Lakes in the Lake District for a fun packed weekend full of opportunities to make friends and have new adventures. […]
Welcoming Faris to the Young Ambassador team
“Speaking with Anna helps me vent my feelings, speak my mind and flush all the doubt and worry out of my head. It has been difficult and Anna has really helped me to reframe my thinking to a more positive approach. I’m so grateful for the work she’s done with me – it’s been brilliant.” […]