Local families invited to nominate young cancer survivors for a Star Award

Devon families are being invited to nominate young cancer patients and survivors for a Star Award.

The Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, are now open and recognise the courage of children and young people who have faced cancer in the South West.

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) says around 120 children in the region are diagnosed with the disease every year.

The Star Awards are open to all children under the age of 18 who live in the UK and have been treated for the disease within the past five years.

There is no judging panel, because Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition.

Everyone nominated receives a trophy, £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and a certificate signed by a host of famous faces, including celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TV personality Dr Ranj and children’s TV favourite Mister Maker. Siblings are also awarded a certificate.

Calling for more nominations across the South West, children’s TV presenter, Phil Gallagher from Mister Maker said: “The strength these young people show when faced with a cancer diagnosis is remarkable, and that’s why I’m supporting the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards again this year.

“Their courage and resilience needs to be honoured, and the Star Awards are such a lovely way of doing that and showing them how special they are.” 

Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment. That’s why Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People is supporting dedicated research to help ensure more young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.

Thanks to some of the charity’s breakthroughs, children’s cancer survival in the UK has more than doubled since the 1970s when almost four in 10 children diagnosed survived for at least 10 years. Today it is around eight in 10, but the charity says there’s still much further to go.

 The Star Awards help to raise awareness of some of the unique challenges faced by young people with cancer that the charity’s scientists are working to tackle.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, Alison Birkett, said: “We’re discovering new ways to treat the disease, so all children and young people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

“A cancer diagnosis is heart-breaking at any age, but it can be particularly devastating for youngsters - especially when many may experience serious long-term side effects from their treatment.

“Not only do our Star Awards help to put these inspirational individuals in the spotlight where they belong, they pay tribute to the supportive siblings who deserve to be celebrated too. That’s why we’re urging people to get nominating now, so we can give these courageous young people the recognition they so richly deserve.”

To nominate a star visit, please go to www.cancerresearchuk.org/children-and-young-people/star-awards