The Teenage Cancer Trust Jersey Appeal has been praised for the "outstanding support" it has provided to young people with cancer over the past 15 years after announcing that it is set to wind down operations.
The local appeal was set up in 2009 by Irene Haycock, mum of 14-year-old cancer patient Calvin.
Since then, the group has raised £2.5m for the charity Teenage Cancer Trust to support young people with cancer and their families.
In a statement this morning, the Teenage Cancer Trust Jersey Appeal said: "The time has come for the Jersey Appeal to wind down operations, and the group is celebrating everything that has been achieved and calling for islanders to build on its vital work by continuing to support Teenage Cancer Trust."
Pictured: The Teenage Cancer Trust Jersey Appeal Committee.
In 2013, the Jersey Appeal’s fundraising contributed to the building of a dedicated Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Southampton General Hospital, improving the experience of cancer for young people on the on the island who typically receive treatment there.
In 2017, the committee funded a refurbishment at Jersey Hospital to create a more age-appropriate environment for teenagers on the Robin Ward.
The Teenage Cancer Trust’s first ever Clinical Nurse in Jersey was appointed in 2019, meaning that young islanders now have the support they need locally without having to make the journey to the mainland.
Irene Haycock, Chair of the Jersey Appeal, said: “Fifteen years of amazing support from the Jersey public – I could never have imagined that we could have achieved so much.
“From a small volunteering committee who have been outstanding in their support and commitment, we have raised an incredible £2.5m. This has made a huge difference to teenagers in Jersey who have experienced cancer.
“I have met some of the most amazing and courageous people along the way and I hope that support on the island continues to enable the charity to provide the best services to young people who experience cancer now and in the future.”
Pictured: “The Jersey Appeal’s support has made a huge difference to young people with cancer and their impact will live on.”
Teenage Cancer Trust CEO Kate Collins added: “We are so grateful for the absolutely outstanding support of the Jersey Appeal and want to thank every member, past and present. This amazing group has gone above and beyond and volunteered so much time to raise funds and awareness on the island.
“The money raised means that we can continue to provide the facilities young people need both on Jersey, and to be supported in Southampton. They will have expert nurses to support them through treatment, dedicated youth workers to help them cope with anxiety and isolation, and a network of other young people to chat to.
“No teenager or young adult should ever have to face cancer alone. The Jersey Appeal’s support has made a huge difference to young people with cancer and their impact will live on.”
Anyone who wishes to support Teenage Cancer Trust can contact the charity directly by emailing helen.farquharson@teenagecancertrust.org and help to carry on the Jersey Appeal’s vital work.
You can find out how to fundraise or make a donation for Teenage Cancer Trust HERE.
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