Welfare Projects

Supporting children with cancer and their families

Each week two children and young people in Northern Ireland are told they have cancer. On average, a family will make a round-trip of 95 miles, up to five times a week to access the cancer treatment their child needs in Northern Ireland. The cost of travel and sometimes temporary accommodation is a huge financial strain for some families. This essential facility is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. It will provide free accommodation for families whose children are having cancer treatment at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. In total, Young Lives Vs Cancer has invested more than £1.5million to establish its first Home from Home in Belfast. The funds will help to support children with cancer and their families at the home for three years.

Children with Cancer UK Donations

Paul’s House, Belfast was opened in December 2013 by Minister for Health, Edwin Poots, former World featherweight boxing champion Barry McGuigan and his wife Sandra (both of whom are Patrons of Young Lives Vs Cancer). Our former trustee Sandra Mileham – and brother to Paul O’Gorman – also joined the special opening event. The new home welcomed families from January 2014. Thanks to your generosity, Children with Cancer UK has donated more than £2 million to Young Lives Vs Cancer since 2007. Your valuable support helps to keep families together and reduce the financial burden associated with childhood cancer.