Children's Cancer North

Children's Cancer North, established in 2021 through the merger of two longstanding charities dating back to 1979, is the largest independent funder dedicated to paediatric cancer in North East England and Cumbria. With over £40 million raised historically, its mission focuses on advancing pioneering research into effective, personalised childhood cancer treatments—primarily at the Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre in Newcastle—and providing holistic support for children, young people, and families at the Great North Children’s Hospital. Rooted in compassion, evidence-based progress, community engagement, and collaboration, it uniquely balances cutting-edge science with practical emotional, financial, and social aid to address the full spectrum of cancer challenges.

It funds targeted initiatives like laboratory research on new therapies, hardship funds for travel and living costs, mental health programmes, play therapy, peer socials, Christmas parties, and hospital enhancements to combat isolation, especially for teenagers. Beneficiaries are strictly children and young people with cancer and their families in counties including Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Durham, Darlington, and urban hubs like Newcastle, Gateshead, and Middlesbrough.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions operating in this geography with proven paediatric oncology capacity; smaller or generalist groups rarely qualify. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding is awarded strategically via partnerships with aligned hospitals and research bodies, with typical organisational grants ranging £30,000–£250,000 (family support £500–£5,000). No open deadlines exist for organisations. Distinctively, it excludes non-local, non-paediatric, or unrelated causes, prioritising measurable local impact over core funding or capacity-building for outsiders.