Our aim is to fund the most promising new research ideas. Childhood cancer research is desperately underfunded and so there can be many research projects competing for funding. That’s why it’s essential to ensure we invest our supporter’s money into the most promising areas.
We achieve this through:
Although research to date has improved the outlook for children with cancer, there is still so much to do. We want to see improved prognosis and reduce life-limiting side effects in young bodies that are still growing and developing.
To help achieve this we have robust governance in place to select the best projects and to monitor and measure their success effectively. We don’t want a penny of our supporter’s money to go to waste.
Our independent Scientific Advisory Board reviews all research applications and makes recommendations as to which projects should receive funding.
Researchers we fund must provide two thorough progress reports per year. Our Scientific Advisory Board assess these reports to ensure the project is on track and meeting its proposed objectives. They also give advice and guidance to researchers during the project as and when required.
At the end of a project, the researcher provides a full written report, which must also detail what applications have been made to secure further funding. We aim for all research projects to be published in relevant medical journals to enable the findings to be shared with the wider childhood cancer research community.
As part of our governance procedures, we have several policies in place which guide the way we work and operate.
As AMRC members, we support the principle of using animals in research, when it is necessary, to advance understanding of health and disease and to develop new treatments. This research only takes place where there is no alternative available.
The Children’s Cancer Research Fund supports the Association of Medical Research Charities’ position on the use of animals in research as outlined in this statement.
We are 100% committed to funding new and innovative research to improve the treatment, diagnosis and prognosis of childhood cancer.
© 2025 Children’s Cancer Research Fund | Charity No. 1046278 | Website by ATTAIN.
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.
