The Children’s Cancer Research Fund aims to open a research grant call once a year, dependent on available charitable funds. We usually award up to £70,000 for a one year research grant.
We invite project proposals from researchers across the UK. All proposals are rigorously evaluated by a panel of distinguished research clinicians augmented by specialists in specific conditions or treatments, where relevant.
We fund a project initially for one year but, if the first-year report is satisfactory, the panel will consider recommending a second year of funding.
Our grant calls apply to research and medical institutions across the UK. Our aim is to fund the most promising new research ideas.
The grants we provide support a post-doctoral fellow or a research assistant for one year. Provision is also made for consumable costs.
The Children’s Cancer Research Fund aims to provide “pump-priming” funds of one or two years’ duration to research and clinical investigators who are addressing paediatric cancers. The goal is to provide funds that will lever major longer-term funding from established funders (e.g. CRUK, Leukaemia UK, MRC, ESRC etc.).
Our key objectives are to fill a gap of funding where solid preliminary results of novel approaches are required in grant applications to lever major and longer-term funding. If possible, publication of this work should also be a goal.
Proposals are assessed by our Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB proposes a minimum of two external referees for each project. Projects are scored and recommendations for funding are made to the Trustees by the SAB.
The rating scale rates applications received in a grant call from most to least promising. The Trustees then use this rating scale on which to base their grant award decisions. If funds are only available for one project, then the highest rated will automatically be selected.
Every grant awarded must submit a six-monthly progress report and a full annual report at the end of the project, stating what onward funding applications are in process to continue the research.
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Nancy, 11, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma when she was just 2 years old. She was treated with Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) in Germany but unfortunately relapsed less than a year later. The family were then sent to Germany for a second round of PBT. Although treatment helped to cure Nancy’s cancer, she has been left with lots of lasting effects which will require ongoing treatment throughout her life. Here Nancy and her mum, Antonia, share their story in the hope it will help others, raise awareness, and raise more money for children’s cancer research.
Why I am a Trustee of CCRF
I have spent my professional career representing individuals and families affected by the devastating asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, which has no cure and for which there are only a limited number of palliative treatments available on the NHS.
I joined CCRF because I wanted to bring my understanding of the need to raise awareness of less well known cancers and passion for the need to secure improved funding for research to children facing a cancer diagnosis.
My role on the Board
I am responsible for oversight of our collaboration agreements with other charities to co-fund research into cures and treatments for childhood cancers. I also manage our challenge events and help with community fundraising.
My Background
I am a Senior Associate at Irwin Mitchell LLP and specialise in Asbestos Disease Litigation, acting on behalf of victims of asbestos related diseases and their families. Over the years, I have undertaken a number of fundraising challenges to raise money for cancer research, including a 1000 mile cycle ride from Glasgow to Southampton.
