Supporting teenagers and young adults with cancer
The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation was founded in 2014 in Tom’s memory.
Tom died of a Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour and extensive peritoneal disease in October 2013, at the age of 19.
Tom knew there were many things that needed to be done for teenagers who were facing cancer. He discussed this with Richard and Nikki before he died so they knew exactly what they needed to focus on.
In February 2020, the Foundation smashed through the £1 million target. Tom would be so proud. The money has created 8 rooms and age-appropriate spaces across the country; £500,000 has been spent on funding a research project looking into targeted treatments for teenage cancers. £200,000 has helped provide support for families and young people, aged 13-24 years, with essentials like food, heating, iPads, laptops, wigs and clothes.
Our Aims and Principles
To promote the relief, care, well-being and rehabilitation of teenagers and young adults suffering from cancer, and their families
To carry out research and publish any useful results into the causes and effects of cancer in teenagers and young adults
What do we do?
The Foundation focuses on three key areas, we provide
- Emotional & Financial Support:
- Practical & Physical Support:
- Research – we fund research with the ICR specifically around teenage cancers and less toxic treatments:
Our Impact
23%
of our funding has been used to create age-appropriate environments in hospitals.
£176,000
has been spent on providing emotional and practical support.
£403,000
has been allocated to developing targeted treatments for teenagers.
Research & Foundation News & our Blog
Research News
Foundation News
Simply Pondering
A weekly blog where we share our thoughts about all things and everything. Please remember these are just our thoughts and feelings.