Families with children battling cancer will receive crucial financial support for travel expenses under a new £10 million government initiative announced today. The scheme, forming part of the forthcoming National Cancer Plan for England, aims to alleviate the significant burden faced by parents and young patients during treatment.
Comprehensive Support for Young Cancer Patients
The National Cancer Plan, scheduled for full publication on Wednesday, outlines how children and young people up to age 24, along with their families, will qualify for travel cost coverage to medical appointments. This support will be available regardless of household income, though specific caps per family remain to be finalised during the scheme's detailed design phase.
According to Department of Health statistics, more than one third of families where a child has cancer currently travel over an hour to reach hospital appointments. With thirteen specialist cancer centres serving children across England, many families face substantial travel expenses that can exceed £250 monthly.
Broader Transformation of Cancer Care
The travel fund represents just one component of a comprehensive package designed to transform cancer care for young people. The wider initiative promises multiple improvements including enhanced diagnostic processes, expanded genomic testing for clinical trial access, and increased psychological support services.
Hospitalised young cancer patients will also benefit from improved food options tailored to their preferences and available outside traditional mealtimes. Additional focus areas include standardised mental health support throughout diagnosis, treatment and follow-up phases, plus enhanced play opportunities for children during hospital stays.
Charity Response and Family Impact
Cancer charities have warmly welcomed the announcement, with Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive of Young Lives vs Cancer, stating: "Young Lives vs Cancer has campaigned for nearly a decade for a young cancer patient travel fund. Today's announcement represents a monumental step forward in transforming lives."
She added: "Until now, families have been accumulating debt and even missing vital treatments due to travel costs. We're prepared to collaborate with government to ensure this scheme's success."
Jules Worrall, Interim Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, emphasised: "Cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death among young people in the UK. By specifically addressing young people's needs, this National Cancer Plan could significantly reduce the disease's devastating impact."
Personal Testimonies Highlight Financial Strain
Emma Wilding, whose son Theo was diagnosed with infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at five months old in October 2024, shared her family's experience. The Alder Hey Children's Hospital lies forty-five minutes from their West Lancashire home.
"During Theo's treatment, we had no alternative but to cover fuel and parking costs ourselves," she explained. "With reduced household income, this created genuine financial hardship. On the ward, I encountered numerous families facing similar struggles, some travelling much greater distances. This news will mean everything to young cancer patients and their families, removing significant financial anxiety."
Government Commitment and Wider Implications
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting declared: "When a child receives a cancer diagnosis, families should concentrate entirely on recovery, not transport affordability. This seemingly small change will profoundly impact parents' lives. Our plan ensures no family faces financial penalties while their child undergoes cancer treatment."
He continued: "Income becomes irrelevant when your child needs treatment – we will facilitate their access. While children fight cancer, families shouldn't simultaneously battle systemic barriers."
The National Cancer Plan is also expected to address support for England's 830,000 working-age cancer patients, helping them maintain employment during and after treatment periods.
