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Neuroblastoma UK is a research charity for the aggressive childhood cancer - neuroblastoma. The cancer develops from neuroblasts, early nerve cells left behind from a baby's development in the womb and accounts for around 6% of all childhood cancer diagnoses. In the UK, approximately 100 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year.

The charity was created 40 years ago, in 1982, when a group of bereaved parents came together following the loss of their sons, they wanted to help other children and families experiencing neuroblastoma.聽

Neuroblastoma UK envisions a world where every child diagnosed with neuroblastoma is cured. To do this they facilitate research that will lead to more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for every child diagnosed with the disease.

Research for a cure is largely dependent upon funding provided by charities such as Neuroblastoma UK. As a major funder of neuroblastoma research, the charity has contributed over 拢9M towards research since the charity was established in 1982 bringing hope to families fighting the disease.聽

Awareness of neuroblastoma is critical. Many children have little in the way of symptoms and it is often hard to diagnose neuroblastoma in the early stages, resulting in many children being diagnosed when the disease reaches stage 4. Sadly, around 50% of children with high-risk neuroblastoma still die from the cancer.

Through research Neuroblastoma UK is bringing hope to families facing childhood cancer.聽

It鈥檚 an honor to support Neuroblastoma UK in this appeal, and I鈥檓 so grateful to use my platform to shine a light on the incredible work this charity does.

Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood cancer that has a huge impact on the lives it affects, with 90% of cases occurring in children under the age of five. Heartbreakingly, many diagnoses are only made when the cancer has reached a high-risk stage. No child should have to die from cancer and with the majority of funding for neuroblastoma research coming from charities, it鈥檚 absolutely essential that we rally behind those trying to find a cure.

Together, we can drive meaningful change in the fight against this terrible disease. Your support matters - every donation brings us closer to a future where every child diagnosed with neuroblastoma is cured. Thank you for your generosity; it truly has the power to make a life-changing difference.

Appollonia (Apple) was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2021 when she was just three years old. To treat her neuroblastoma Apple endured an 18 month treatment plan, including high dose chemotherapy, major surgery, a stem-cell transplant and six rounds of radiotherapy followed by immunotherapy.

Neuroblastoma UK funds new innovative research that looks for more effective treatment. Although the treatment Apple received saved her life, it did take a toll on her body. She may struggle with fertility, she has many scars and has lost her high frequency hearing and now wears hearing aids. She still has, and may always have, bowel issues which are managed with medication. Through funding new research more effective treatment can be discovered.聽

Thankfully, Apple is now a healthy, happy seven year old who loves all things to do with unicorns, sparkles and glitter and is doing brilliantly at school where she loves reading and writing.

George was two-years-old when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in April 2020.

Many symptoms of neuroblastoma are often mistaken for everyday ailments and the cancer can go undiagnosed until Stage 4. In 2020, George was suffering from recurrent hives followed by unexplainable pain in his legs that prevented him from standing, a temperature, and bruising under his eyes. George was initially thought to have a viral infection.

When George was diagnosed with neuroblastoma it was the first time his family had ever heard of the disease, highlighting the desperate need for more awareness of the cancer and its symptoms.聽

Thanks to his treatment on a clinical trial, George is now doing well and has been cancer-free for the past three years.聽

26-year-old Niamh was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 15 and suffered a relapse in 2020. After eight years of being in remission Niamh went to the doctors as her lymph nodes were swollen. After further tests it was discovered her cancer had returned.

Chance of survival after a relapse is unfortunately just 10%, and new research is desperately needed to change this. Niamh went through 16 cycles of chemotherapy over an 18 month period, while at the same time taking part in a new clinical drug trial . Niamh has finished her chemotherapy and has continued on the clinical drug trial.

Niamh is now working again as a personal trainer and with no active cancer cells, and continues to have regular scans to monitor her condition.聽