Celebrating milestones in life | Children with Cancer UK

For children with cancer, every moment is a milestone.

As we look back on our lives, certain moments feel significant. The birthday parties, the first day of school, the family holiday when you learned to ride a bike. We keep and treasure these milestone moments. But for families going through cancer treatment, milestones take on an even greater significance. For children with cancer, each and every moment is a milestone. A journey of precious highs, painful lows – and all the moments in between that become so meaningful.

This month (March 2023), we are proud to be able to share with you our #Milestones campaign film, inspired by the real-life stories of Frankie and Rose, two childhood cancer survivors. We hope that this campaign will highlight the vital importance of the work we do funding life-saving research, supporting families and raising awareness as we work towards our vision of a world where every child survives cancer.

Help save a child's life. Donate today.

#Milestones: watch the behind the scenes footage

We created a heart warming behind the scenes video of our amazing day with childhood cancer survivors Frankie, Rose and their families complete with messages from their amazing families and our very own CEO, Jo Elvin.

Meet the incredible children and families that inspired our film and the Children with Cancer UK team that made it happen.

Meet Billy and Demi. Two childhood cancer survivors

Our #Milestones film follows them, and their families, on a journey of precious highs, painful lows – and all the moments in between that became so meaningful. Because for children with cancer, every single moment is a milestone. Their stories were thoughtfully created to be a true reflection of the milestones experienced by a number of our patient families, and we are incredibly grateful that they have chosen to share them with us.

Stories that inspired our film

Our #Milestones film follows the lives of two children diagnosed with cancer at a very young age.

From the earth-shattering moment in the doctor’s office – to treatment, remission and every milestone along the way.

Their characters were inspired by the real-life stories of Frankie and Rose, and we are incredibly grateful that they and their families have chosen to share these with us.

Childhood cancer survivor: Frankie

Frankie was diagnosed with Juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia in 2016 when he was just one. His dad, James recently shared an update with us:

Watching Frankie receive his first man of the match award – and seeing the smile on his face – is my absolute favourite milestone.

James, Frankie’s dad.

Read Frankie's story

Childhood cancer survivor: Rose

Rose was diagnosed with infant Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (All) at just five months old. Her mum, Alison recently shared an update with us:

When we talk about milestones, every single day since the day she was diagnosed has been a major milestone because it means she’s made another day. So I want people to know there’s light at the end.

Alison, Rose’s mum.

Read Rose's story

Meet the researcher

Meet Professor Chris Jones, a childhood brain tumour researcher. We are funding his research project at the Institute of Cancer Research. Professor Chris Jones leads a team of scientists, who are working to better understand paediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas (a particularly challenging form of malignant brain tumour).

Read his blog

With every new milestone that researchers achieve, we:

Gain valuable insights into the underlying causes of childhood cancer
Find better, more effective treatments
Develop strategies for early detection

And we take one step closer to a world where every child survives cancer.

How you can get involved

This month, get involved in our #Milestones campaign. Here are some of the ways you can help.

Have you or a family member been affected by childhood cancer?

Many of our supporters have been affected by childhood cancer – either through family, friends or their own personal experience. These stories can help inspire others to get involved with us. If you have a story, please fill out our form.

Share your story

Female researcher smiling at camera holding a plate of cells

Sign up to our e-newsletter and receive exclusive stories straight to your inbox. You will also find out about our latest childhood cancer research news along with updates on our fundraising events, charity news and opportunities to support us.

Please help more children survive cancer

Every day in the UK, 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer. We need your support to help fund life-saving research and help every child survive.

Donate now

Milestones