CHART topping singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé and West End theatre star Beverley Knight are just two of the top celebrities who have joined forces to applaud the incredible courage of children who have faced cancer by supporting Cancer Research UK's Little Star Awards in partnership with brands-for-less retailer TK Maxx.
Joining them to support these fantastic awards, which launched yesterday (Tuesday 19th November), are Strictly Come Dancing stars Robin Windsor and Kristina Rihanoff, TV presenter Lisa Riley, as well as England football team mates James Milner, Kyle Walker and Leighton Baines.
Relatives and friends of young cancer patients and survivors from across the UK are being urged to nominate them for a Little Star Award now for special recognition in the run up to Christmas. Recipients get a unique trophy, a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by the celebrities involved.
Around 1,600 children are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year but thanks to research there is hope for the future.
Recent analysis shows that more than eight in 10 children with cancer now survive, compared to just three in 10 in the late 1960s. The number of children surviving cancer for five years or more has risen from 79 per cent to 82 per cent in the last decade.
The increase in survival is largely due to tackling the disease by combining a number of different chemotherapy drugs. Cancer Research UK has played a key role in the clinical trials that proved the benefits of these combined treatments.
“Each child who confronts cancer is a star in their own way and I salute their courage and bravery,” said Emeli Sande. “The Little Star Awards provide vital recognition for these kids and their families and, in doing so, help raise vital awareness of children’s cancers and the need to continually invest in cutting-edge research.”
“All young people who are diagnosed with cancer seem to demonstrate such bravery and sparkle,” added Beverley Knight. “I recently met a number of Cancer Research UK’s Little Star Award winners and was truly touched by their courage. ”One aspect of the Little Star Awards that I truly love is the way in which brothers and sisters of recipients receive a special certificate in recognition of the impact that a cancer diagnosis has on the whole family and the support they give their sibling."
Last year more than 610 children from across the UK received a Little Star Award.
TK Maxx has supported Cancer Research UK since 2004. To date they have raised over £9 million to help beat children’s cancers.
Unlike many other children’s awards, there is no judging panel because Cancer Research UK and TK Maxx believe each and every child who confronts cancer is extra special.
The awards are open to all under 18s who have cancer or who have been treated for the disease in the last five years.
To nominate a Little Star or donate visit cruk.org/littlestar.
