A bereaved mother’s powerful message of hope for others affected by childhood cancer this Christmas

Christmas is one of the most difficult times when you’re grieving your child. I found comfort in dedicating a Christmas tree to Neive and decorating it with meaningful things personalised for her. We also attend a church service to honour and remember Neive.

Sarah Warwick from Leamington Spa, who lost her young daughter Neive to childhood cancer, shares her powerful message of hope for others facing cancer this Christmas. Her message is part of Children with Cancer UK’s Christmas appeal to inspire and encourage families affected by childhood cancer this Christmas with messages of hope, courage and strength from others who have been through similar journeys.

Every day, 10 children and young people are still being diagnosed with cancer in the UK. Tragically, cancer remains the number one cause of death in children. Many families face the cruel reality that they will never spend another Christmas with their child because of cancer.

This year, Children with Cancer UK’s Christmas Appeal shares heartfelt stories of hope and resilience from the brave families affected by childhood cancer the charity has supported throughout the year. The charity’s Christmas Appeal is spoken by the voices of those who know this journey better than anyone, connecting people with true stories of resilience and hope. Each family reflected on their treasured Christmas memories, along with offering heartfelt advice and words of hope to other families affected by childhood cancer this festive season.

Sarah’s daughter Neive was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in 2022 when she was just five years old. Tragically, Neive did not survive her diagnosis and passed away in October last year. Sarah describes how she found ways to go through the pain of grief and to honour memories of Neive at Christmas:

Christmas is one of the most difficult times when you are grieving your child. I found comfort in dedicating a Christmas tree to Neive and decorating it with meaningful things personalised for her. We also attend a church service to honour and remember Neive.

Sarah’s advice to other parents facing Christmas after losing a child:

Memories are precious: nobody or nothing can take those. Hold comfort in remembering special times with your child. People often tell me to take one day at a time. And it’s true. Don’t think too far ahead and take each moment as it arises.

Neive’s stocking will always hang next to her sister’s, her favourite Christmas songs will always be played and she’ll be remembered in every moment throughout the festive season. Grief is all the love we have in our hearts and by including Neive in small ways at Christmas it’s given me some peace.

Amar Naher, CEO of Children with Cancer UK, said:

The holiday season is particularly difficult for the families who have gone through the unimaginable, often feeling isolated navigating life facing childhood cancer. Our message this Christmas is of hope: hope for families, and hope for a future where every child survives childhood cancer and has the opportunity to live a full life. Your donation this Christmas will fund life-saving research so that more children survive cancer and their families get the support they need.

Children with Cancer UK is the leading national children’s charities working towards a world where every child and young person survives a cancer diagnosis.

Notes to Editors:

About Children with Cancer UK:
Children with Cancer UK is the leading children and young people’s cancer charity in the UK. Our vision is for every child and young person to survive cancer. We are working to improve survival rates and the long-term quality of life for those that do, we are also striving to find ways to prevent cancer in the future. We are dedicated to raising and investing funds into vital research that helps us understand childhood cancers and improves treatments. We support families as they navigate treatment and life beyond cancer. What began as a small memorial charity in 1988, has evolved into the leading charity for children and young people affected by cancer, raising more than £300 million and investing in over 300 pioneering research projects.

Press Enquiries:

For all press enquiries, please email media@childrenwithcancer.org.uk or call 0800 222 9000 and ask for the media team.