Meet Mariam
Mariam had just begun an exciting new life at university when she was devastated to learn she had Hodgkin lymphoma.
“I’d just started the biggest chapter of my life, and now that was over,” she says. “I came out of the room crying my eyes out.”
Her treatment was a daunting journey, but she wasn’t alone. Funded by Teenage Cancer Trust, Youth Support Coordinator Sian and Clinical Nurse Specialist Claire became her lifeline. “Sian helped me so much. I talked to her like a friend. When my hair fell out, she gave me turbans. When I was too unwell to even text my family, she kept them updated.”
Through mouth sores, emergency visits, and moments of fear, Sian was by her side. “When I rang the bell to mark the end of my chemo, Sian cried. She’d seen me at my worst, and I didn’t think I’d make it to that moment.”
Mariam finished treatment in March 2021, returned to her studies in January 2022, and has since raised £3,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust. “I wanted to give back to those who helped me. Without Sian, I’d never have got through it.”
“Today, and every day, seven young people in the UK aged 13-24 will hear the words “you have cancer”. To get through it, they’ll need specialist care and support from our nurses and youth workers, including help to rebuild their lives once treatment ends. We can’t do that without the support of companies like OCS. Their enthusiasm and dedication helped raise an incredible amount of money; £30 provides one hour of 1:1 nursing for a young person with one of our specialised nurses. It’s been an honour supporting them, and I am looking forward to seeing what amazing ideas they come up with for 2025!”
Judith Anderson
Senior Relationship Manager, Teenage Cancer Trust
Catering Division’s Fundraising Efforts for Teenage Cancer Trust
In a heartwarming display of solidarity and commitment, our catering division successfully raised an impressive sum for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The fundraising activities, which began in May last year, have not only brought the team closer but also made a significant impact on the lives of young cancer patients.
The decision to support the Teenage Cancer Trust was a collective one, made by the catering board and the Board of Directors. The team felt a strong connection to the cause and believed it was the best fit for their fundraising efforts.
The combined efforts of the catering division resulted in a total of £15,891.55, surpassing their initial target of £12,000.
Executive Summary
Teenage Cancer Trust plays an indispensable role in shaping holistic, youth-centred cancer care. It is the only UK charity exclusively dedicated to improving the lives of young people aged 13–24 diagnosed with cancer. Founded in 1990, the charity ensures that “no young person faces cancer alone” by providing specialised, age-appropriate care and support across the UK. It operates a network of 28 specialist units in NHS hospitals, designed with bright, welcoming environments and equipped with youth-friendly amenities, game consoles, social spaces, and more.
