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A nurse in maroon uniform interacts with a young child. Text reads: “Behind Every Child, there’s a dedicated team” for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Behind every child there's a team

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, they’re not just cared for by doctors and nurses. Behind every child is a dedicated team of specialist professionals providing expert care, emotional support and hope throughout their cancer journey.

This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity is shining a light on the incredible staff, many of whose vital roles are made possible through funding from the charity and the generosity of our supporters. Every day, these people make a life-changing difference to children and families receiving treatment in the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Below you’ll meet some of the staff in the Unit whose roles we fund. Follow us on social media throughout September to learn more about the amazing people behind the care and the impact they have on a child’s treatment journey. We’ll also be sharing how your support can help us continue to ensure that more roles like these are possible.

Because behind every child, there’s a team. And behind that team, there’s you.

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A young girl doing arts and crafts with two Health and Social Care staff members in the brightly painted playroom at the Children's Cancer Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital.
Two nurses setting up blood transfusion equipment together on a children's ward at the Children's Cancer Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital.
A young girl wearing a Rescape virtual reality headset for distraction therapy while a nurse controls the session on a tablet at the Children's Cancer Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital.

Here are three of the staff roles that are currently being funded by The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.

A woman with long red hair wearing an olive green shirt and necklace sits indoors, smiling, with shelves and toys in the background—embodying the spirit of “Behind Every Child.”.

Claire O’Kane

Brain Tumour Social Worker

As the Social Worker dedicated to children and young people diagnosed with a brain tumour, Claire’s role is to provide practical advice and emotional support to families, signposting to additional services and helping them access the information and resources they need.

Watch Claire's Video
A woman in a white uniform with “Registered Dietitian” and “Health and Social Care” logos smiles while sitting on a gray couch, embodying the commitment found Behind Every Child.

Sophie Warwick

Paediatric Dietician

As a specialist Oncology and Haematology dietician, Sophie’s role ensures that children and young people facing cancer and blood conditions have access to a more tailored nutritional service both during and post treatment and when care becomes palliative.

Watch Sophie's Video
A woman wearing glasses and a maroon “Health and Social Care” uniform speaks, with a microphone clipped to her collar—representing the dedication found Behind Every Child.

Alana Sharpe

Paediatric Oncology & Haematology Clinical Research Nurse

Alana is part of a team who co-ordinate and deliver clinical trials for children and young people receiving treatment for cancer and blood conditions, ensuring they have access to trials and innovative treatments.

Watch Alana's Video

By making a donation, you can help us continue funding more staff roles within the Children’s Cancer Unit, ensuring that children and young people in Northern Ireland living with cancer or a complex blood disorder will receive the best possible care.

£30

£30 could help a family navigate the challenges that their child’s brain tumour diagnosis can bring by funding one hour of specialist support from a Brain Tumour Social Worker.

£60 can fund a Clinical Research Nurse to collect important data and carry out biological sampling for a child or young person when they are enrolled on a clinical trial.

£60
£100

£100 will provide three children with access to a specialist Paediatric Oncology Dietitian, ensuring they receive expert nutritional care during their treatment.

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Portrait of Dr Rob Johnston smiling against a white background.

“Managing cancer in children and young people requires the engagement of a dedicated, multidisciplinary team; as an oncologist, I am just one part of a much larger team. We rely heavily on our nursing staff, who provide vital support and care throughout the treatment journey and beyond, in particular during the most difficult moments. This is complemented by the skill and expertise of our social workers, play specialists, occupational, speech/language and physiotherapists, clinical psychologists, dieticians and ward-based teacher who offer additional dimensions to care. Every member of the MDT consistently goes above and beyond because they understand how challenging this path is for the children and young people. Ultimately, it is the inspiring resilience of the children, young people and families that truly drives us forward.”

Dr Rob Johnston, Paediatric Oncology Consultant, Children’s Cancer Unit, RBHSC

“We will be forever grateful to every single person who cared for Sophia and supported us during our time in CHU. The consultants, doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff on the ward became a huge part of our lives- they were like family when we were isolated from our own families. They didn’t just care for Sophia; they cared for us too.

The amazing outpatients team stepped in once our time on the ward came to an end, and they have been fantastic too. Every member of staff has looked after us with such kindness, compassion, understanding and dedication and Bridget, our Social Worker has been there through it all for much-needed guidance or simply someone to talk to. The whole team has supported us through some of the hardest, most frightening moments of our lives and we simply couldn’t have got through this time without them.”

Nicola McDermott, mum to Sophia

Behind Every Child is a story of strength and unity, as seen in this image where a woman, man, and two young children pose in front of a red and gold balloon backdrop. One child is held by the man and has a feeding tube. All are dressed in coordinated shades of red, black, and white—a testament to the love and support behind every child.

Behind every child, there’s a team.

Donate Now

As well as donating online, you can make a donation via bank transfer or cheque

Payment can be made by BACS as follows:

Account Name:
Childrens Cancer Unit Charity

Sort Code: 98-00-60

Account No: 5713 9008

IBAN: GB81ULSB98006057139008

Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity and sent to:

The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity
141 – 143 Falls Road
Belfast
BT12 6AF

Please use CCUC TEAM as a reference for all donations.

Logo of The Children's Cancer Unit Charity featuring a smiling face design to the left of the text, reminiscent of happiness and hope, much like a default kit symbolizes simplicity.
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Contact Information
  • The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity 141-143 Falls Road Belfast BT12 6AF
  • 028 9601 3744
  • info@childrenscancerunit.com
  • The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC104794
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