THE Teenage Cancer Trust Jersey Appeal is winding down its operations after 15 years.
The local appeal was set up in 2009 by Irene Haycock, mother of 14-year-old cancer patient Calvin.
Since then, the group has raised £2.5 million for the charity Teenage Cancer Trust to support young people with cancer and their families.
In a statement, the organisation said: “The time has come for the Jersey Appeal to wind down operations, and the group is celebrating everything that has been achieved and calling for Islanders to build on its vital work by continuing to support Teenage Cancer Trust.”
The Jersey Appeal contributed to the building of a dedicated Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Southampton General Hospital in 2013, and funded a refurbishment to create a more age-appropriate environment for teenagers at the Jersey General Hospital in 2017.
In 2019, the Teenage Cancer Trust’s first ever clinical nurse in Jersey was appointed – and she was recently nominated for a Pride of Jersey Award.
Irene Haycock, chair of the Jersey Appeal, said: “From a small volunteering committee who have been outstanding in their support and commitment, we have raised an incredible £2.5 million pounds. This has made a huge difference to teenagers in Jersey who have experienced cancer.
“I have met some of the most amazing and courageous people along the way and I hope that support on the Island continues to enable the charity to provide the best services to young people who experience cancer now and in the future.”
Teenage Cancer Trust chief executive Kate Collins added: “We are so grateful for the absolutely outstanding support of the Jersey Appeal and want to thank every member, past and present. This amazing group has gone above and beyond and volunteered so much time to raise funds and awareness in the Island.
“The money raised means that we can continue to provide the facilities young people need in Jersey, and to be supported in Southampton. They will have expert nurses to support them through treatment, dedicated youth workers to help them cope with anxiety and isolation, and a network of other young people to chat to.
“No teenager or young adult should ever have to face cancer alone. The Jersey Appeal’s support has made a huge difference to young people with cancer and their impact will live on.”
Anyone who wishes to support Teenage Cancer Trust can contact the charity directly by emailing helen.farquharson@teenagecancertrust.org
