Celebrating 365 days with Young Lives vs Cancer

In May 2021, Young Lives vs Cancer was announced as NHS Property Services' official charity partner for the next three years, allowing the charity to continue running its valuable Homes from Home initiative which offers a free place for families to stay when their child is receiving cancer treatment.

The Homes from Home are a lifeline for families and can be the difference between being plunged into crisis or being able to stay strong for their child. They are close to principal treatment centres, helping families avoid the extra financial burdens of travel, accommodation and food costs.

In the first year of the partnership, colleagues from across NHSPS have raised an incredible total of £50,000 which has:

• Supported 267 children, young people and family members using the six Homes from Home across England.
• Saved those families over £100,000 collectively in petrol costs travelling to and from hospital.
• Funded 771 nights in a Home from Home
• Sponsored 785 hours of support for young people and their families.

In the last year, colleagues have rowed the length of the Channel, climbed Mount Helvellyn, completed Tough Mudders, hiked 50km, conquered the Three Peaks Challenge, and hosted countless fundraising activities including bake sales, book swaps and 'wear your slippers to work' day. 

Jo Hancock, Head of High Value Fundraising Development, Philanthropy and Partnerships, Young Lives vs Cancer, says: "I want to say an enormous thank you to everyone at NHSPS for your absolutely phenomenal fundraising efforts over the last year. In the first year of our partnership, you have raised a staggering £50,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer, supporting over 267 children and young people with cancer and their families. That's just a phenomenal fundraising success and we are so excited to see what you go on to do in the next two years of our partnership so thank you very much from all of us."

Rhea Horlock, Head of CSR at NHSPS says: "The work Young Lives vs Cancer does to support children and young people with cancer and their families is invaluable and their values and strategy align very well to our own. The partnership has been better than we ever thought it could be and I am very proud of the efforts of our colleagues across the business. To raise £50,000 is a fantastic achievement and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the next two years. Fundraising doesn't have to be big - it could be a bake sale, a walk, a run - anything you like and you can get your friends and family involved too."