Zac’s Fund continues to support young people with cancer in Shropshire

No young person should have to face cancer alone. Aside from all the emotional, physical and psychological challenges, there are practical issues which young patients are facing every day of their treatment.

Zac’s Fund is continuing to support young cancer patients and their families in Shropshire. In its most recent funding round, it distributed £15,000 to support those navigating the practical and emotional challenges of the disease in Shropshire.

Zac’s Fund has been helping children and young people with cancer in Shropshire through the Shropshire Community Foundation since 2023. The fund provides financial support for individuals aged up to and including 21 years, helping to cover essential costs related to their diagnosis.

In the latest round, a total of £15,000 has been awarded to individuals and families impacted by cancer. The funding will support eight recipients, including six young patients aged 6 to 16 years, helping to cover costs associated with treatment, hospital visits, transport, rehabilitation, essential equipment and regular health visits from specialists.

Respite also plays a crucial role in a young cancer patient’s recovery. This round of funding will help a young patient, now strong enough to travel, enjoy a special day out. For a 10-year-old who has been undergoing intermittent cancer treatment since the age of two, the funds will help cover the cost of a much-needed family getaway.

In addition to individual recipients, two charitable trusts have also been awarded grants: The Joshua Tree, which provides bespoke support for families affected by childhood cancer and Teenage Cancer Trust, which has been awarded funding to continue the employment of a Shropshire Outreach Nurse.

Some young people choose to have their treatment closer to home, while others may live too far away and be unable to afford travel costs, or to leave their work, studies, children, family or support network behind. Outreach nurses address this inequality by working regionally across the UK, supporting young people and their families in local hospitals or visiting them at home.

Dr Louise Soanes, Teenage Cancer Trust Chief Nurse, said: "We are very grateful to Zac’s Fund for their continued support. Teenage Cancer Trust Outreach Nurses play a pivotal role in helping us to reach every young person with cancer across the UK who needs us. These specialists provide families with personalised care at home, from coordinating blood tests to providing regular check-ups and emotional support. This service reduces stress for both the patient and their families, as well as minimising the additional financial burden of travel for medical appointments.”

This service is essential to ensuring that young people facing cancer in Shropshire receive the best possible care and support, at home and in their community.

Shropshire Community Foundation remains committed to continuing the legacy of a very brave Shropshire boy, ensuring that Zac’s Fund remains a vital source of support for families in need.