I had cancer as a teenager and although I wouldn't wish it on anyone, it is one of the best things that has ever happened to me!

Going through such a horrendous experience at such a pivotal age will either make or break you and for me it was what gave me the passion and drive to make a difference and made me the social entrepreneur and health expert I am today.

Unfortunately, not teenager who suffers from cancer is as fortunate as I've been and this is where the support that Teens Unite provides is truly invaluable.  The only charity or service to provide on-going support both during cancer and, perhaps more importantly, after remission.  

It is the period after cancer that I think is actually the hardest. Once you're given the 'all-clear' by the doctors, people lose interest and expect you to go back to being 'normal'.  The trouble is, once you've been through something like cancer, you're never normal again (which is actually a good thing!) and yet everyone expects you to be able to fit back in with your old life.

Being connected with other teenagers and adults who have gone or are going through the same experience, is invaluable.  It is this connection with people who fully understand what you've been through that helps the teens take an experience like cancer and use it to shape their life in whatever way they wish

Having been there myself, I am honoured to be a Trustee of Teens Unite and am passionate about helping more teens step out of cancer and into a better future than they could have imagined.

My personal challenge is to raise £20,000 for Teens Unite.

£20,000 would cover all the costs for Teens Unite run a week-long residential activity stay for 30 teenagers including food, accommodation, transport and a full range of activities.  Events like these allow the teens to connect and share in a safe environment where they don't have to hide their experiences and can truly reconnect with who they are and what 'normal' now looks like for them.

Let's give these teens the chance to discover life after cancer!

If you can't donate money, please get in touch with the charity and explore how you might be able to help out in other ways as these teens desperately need our help!

Thank you for making a difference!