Thank you for your support in 2023
As we draw closer to the end of a busy but exciting year, all of us at Neuroblastoma UK would like to thank you for your support in the fight against childhood cancer.
We rely on the generosity of our supporters and partners to accelerate vital research into neuroblastoma. 2023 has been a challenging year with rising inflation and the cost of living, so we truly appreciate your help. Because of you, we plan to launch a new Research Grant Round in 2024 to help take forward even more research. Thank you.
Our highlights from 2023
Funding research
Thanks to your generous donations, 10 research projects into neuroblastoma progressed in 2023, involving labs in the UK, France and Netherlands including:
Dr Jinhui Gao’s work to potentially improve immunotherapy
Dr Rob Ewing is looking at the appropriateness of using the Zika virus to potentially kill neuroblastoma cells
Professor Louis Chesler is working to develop blood-based biomarker tests to help guide and monitor treatment and
Dr Mark Gaze aims to develop a new type of targeted, radiotherapy
We joined Professor Anna Philpott, Dr Kirsty Ferguson and the research team at the University of Cambridge to celebrate and learn more about their research into neuroblastoma, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Our team is busy getting ready for our 6th Research Symposium in March 2024, an important platform for both established and junior researchers to present their work and encourage discussion and collaboration.
We attended and were Gold sponsors of the Advances in Neuroblastoma Research meeting (ANR2023) in Amsterdam. We also joined over 250 delegates from 34 countries for the largest SIOPEN annual general meeting in Slovenia.
Raising awareness
In March, we joined over 60 charities as #OneCancerVoice to deliver a petition to the Prime Minister at Number 10. Signed by nearly 80,000 people, the petition demanded that the Government deliver the world leading action on cancer that we were promised as part of their ‘War on Cancer’ We called on Rishi Sunak to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment and outcomes and ensure all cancer patients receive the care they deserve
Neuroblastoma UK were proud to join the first Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month in April, to help break down barriers and make a change for all teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Thank you to Ellie, Chloe and Niamh for sharing their experiences of being diagnosed with neuroblastoma in their teens.
Scottish MSPs, families and supporters came together for a reception at Holyrood in Edinburgh and a special Glow Gold Reflection Day during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Together, we called on MSPs to ensure childhood cancer is recognised as a critical research priority in Scotland. The reception, hosted by Rona Mackay MSP, was held in memory of two-year-old Matthew Innes. We are truly grateful to Rona, Matthew’s family and friends for supporting our work.
All of this was made possible thanks to our incredible fundraisers and supporters.
Our biggest team of runners in the London Marathon raised nearly £30,000! We also had a charity team in the Edinburgh Marathon festival for the first time, with two runners raising £2,100 between them. Our Ride London cyclists raised nearly £7,500.
You donated over £8,000 for our first Big Give Christmas Challenge! Our Patrons Alan Carr and Scott Mills took part in the campaign, featuring in the official Big Give video and sharing our posts.
We were delighted to partner with Rosebuds and Pearls with their exclusive, personalised Rainbow Hoodies, as part of its first ever charity collaboration. 20% from every Rainbow Hoodie purchase will be donated to Neuroblastoma UK
Our new Weekly Lottery and virtual gifts were launched, providing a different way to support our work, with a chance to win fantastic cash prizes or give a gift with a difference.
Our Board of Trustees welcomed two new members - Tanya Wood as our Media Trustee and Tori Edington as Charity Secretary. Our new Executive team of Zara Aitchison, Dr Kate Wheeler and Professor Andy Pearson have been working hard to lead our charity with exciting plans ahead for 2024. We also welcomed Zafar Zabbar to our small staff team as our first Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager.
We were absolutely delighted when Angellica Bell won the Celebrity Charity Ambassador award with Women magazine, for her work as Patron at Neuroblastoma UK. Angellica also encouraged our supporters to raise vital funds during a new virtual challenge, along with fellow Patron Alan Carr.
With special thanks to
Our Patrons Alan Carr, Angellica Bell and Scott Mills for generously donating their time to support our work and raise awareness of neuroblastoma.
Hospital Saturday Fund
Georgia's Fund
Vitol Foundation
Topling Ltd
Banks Group
Valero Energy Ltd
Dave Wilson Golf Memorial
Solent Stevedores
Accouter Group
Obrizum Group
3B
A special mention must also go to all the families who generously shared their stories this year, to raise awareness of neuroblastoma and in support of our fundraising activities. Thank you to Anthea and Apple, Alex and Hayley, Zahra, Joanne and Oscar, Chloe, Ellie, Niamh, and Becky.
We especially remember Matthew, Florence, Ted, Beau, Eliza, Ellis, Isabelle, Reggie, Cara, Tilly, Alfie and all those children we have sadly lost to neuroblastoma. Their light will never go out.