A new support service to help North East families facing childhood cancer tackle the rising costs of treatment has been launched following the death of a beloved Tynemouth teenager. Matthew’s Meals and Miles honours Matthew Adams, who was 18 when he died from an ultra-rare and incurable neuroendocrine cancer affecting just two people out of every million.
Family tribute and practical help
The initiative has been set up under regional charity Children’s Cancer North by Matthew’s family, who are turning their grief into a positive and enduring tribute in his name. It will support young cancer patients and their families from across the North East and Cumbria treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, providing practical financial help for food and travel.
The launch is partly prompted by the cost-of-living crisis, which adds financial pressure to families already coping with the emotional and practical demands of caring for a child or young person with cancer. The fund will ease costs such as lengthy hospital stays, repeated journeys for specialist treatment, and daily care.
School and community backing
Matthew’s Meals and Miles has received a £2,650 donation from Matthew’s former school, Kings Priory in Tynemouth. The money was raised through a non-uniform day in May, when pupils wore bright colours and Hawaiian shirts in celebration of Matthew’s quirky and fun spirit. On Monday, students and staff again wore Hawaiian shirts to mark Matthew’s birthday and support the fund.
On October 8th, Sixth Form students will take part in a sponsored beach run along Longsands in Tynemouth. Other events include an all-day cake sale and raffle at Artichoke card and gift shop in Tynemouth on October 2nd.
Matthew’s story and the need for support
Matthew was in Year 13 and about to take A-levels when his health deteriorated from Easter 2025. He was a keen Air Cadet with 346 (Tynemouth) Squadron and hoped to study archaeology at Newcastle University. He lost his two-and-a-half-year battle with metastatic paraganglioma on May 23rd.
His mother, Jane Hall, said: “To know that Matthew’s school and the wider community has helped us take the first steps in creating this legacy initiative means a great deal to us.” She added that cancer brings additional pressures, including travel, hospital stays, and food costs, and that Matthew’s Meals and Miles provides practical help when families face more than they imagined.
Government travel fund and charity support
The Government announced a £10m travel fund earlier this year as part of the National Cancer Plan in England for 0 to 24-year-olds, but it has yet to be rolled out. Campaigners have questioned whether the £10m-a-year fund covering petrol, parking, and train fares will be enough, especially for extended treatment, and it leaves families covering food, accommodation, and other costs.
Abigail Hewison, Head of Charity at Children’s Cancer North, said: “The Government’s £10m travel support is hugely welcome, but getting to hospital is only part of the journey.” She noted the charity provides an upfront payment of £250 to families after diagnosis, and that Matthew’s Meals and Miles will boost available funds. Staff at the RVI will refer families to the charity for financial aid, with payments made directly to families.
James Hand, Assistant Principal at Kings Priory School, who taught Matthew geography, said: “Matthew was very much part of the Kings Priory School family.” He described Matthew as determined, selfless, quirky, and incredibly kind, and said the initiative fits the values he lived by. A JustGiving platform has been set up for Matthew’s Meals and Miles.
