FOR over 30 years, Basildon-based Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund has been a lifeline for families devastated by childhood cancer.
A diagnosis impacts not just the child but the entire family—emotionally, financially, and physically. They provide immediate financial assistance for essential bills, travel costs for life-saving treatment, and hospital living expenses, allowing families to focus on what matters most. Their emotional support services are available around the clock, offering a 24/7 helpline, professional counselling, and respite breaks to help families cope with the relentless strain. Lennox also provides two respite holiday homes for families to stay in for free giving them a chance to relax, recharge and reconnect, and also provides spending money and days out vouchers to make precious memories together.
In addition to financial and emotional support, they offer practical help by guiding families through the application process for long-term financial help. Their ‘We’ve Got You’ backpack project ensures that families receive essential items and resources at the point of diagnosis. Lennox’s mission is to ensure that no family faces the journey through childhood cancer alone, providing comfort, assistance, and practical care when they need it most.
The £26,500 grant from the London Freemasons will support two vital projects.
Firstly to continue the ‘We’ve Got Your Back’ backpack project, ensuring that families receive these essential care packages while in the hospital and can access the support of Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund from the point of diagnosis. Each backpack is invaluable, containing essentials like toiletries, an oncology record and pen, a travel cup, and a phone charger, along with comforting items such as fluffy socks, a teddy bear, a blanket, headphones, and toys and games. These items help ease the initial days of their hospital stay, and the included leaflet introduces families to our other critical services. This resource reassures families that they are not alone on this difficult journey and that Lennox is there to support them every step of the way.
Secondly, the funds will be used to launch the ‘Buddy Up’ project, a support scheme specifically designed for teenagers diagnosed with cancer. Lennox recognises the isolation and loneliness these young people often face and understands the crucial role of friendship during this challenging time. By connecting teenagers with others going through similar experiences, they envision friendships blossoming, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness through peer-to-peer support. Monthly meet-ups and fun outings will provide these young people with opportunities to have fun and make friends outside the confines of a hospital ward or oncology clinic.
Vincent Fitzmaurice, CEO of Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund said:
“Our beneficiaries face unimaginable heartache, trauma, loneliness, and loss. Easing that journey even slightly and offering support from day one is crucial for every family we assist. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the London Freemasons, we can continue supporting these incredible children, young people, and their families. This funding ensures the continuation of our essential ‘We’ve Got Your Back’ project and allows us to launch ‘Buddy Up,’ providing vital peer support for teens facing cancer. We are deeply thankful to the London Freemasons for enabling us to be there during families’ most challenging times.”
Paul King from London Freemasons said:
“We are delighted to support the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund in their work with so many London-based children diagnosed with cancer and their families. At the worst of times, Lennox does great work to help the children and their families pull together, bringing them closer and making them stronger.”
