When Everton Women stars Aurora Galli, Courtney Brosnan and Clare Wheeler visited our Teenage and Young Adult ward, they witnessed first-hand the vital support we provide to young people facing cancer.
The special visit, arranged by our long-standing partner Hill Dickinson, gave the players an insight into how your donations help make a real difference to young lives during the toughest of times.
Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support Coordinator Franchessca Sefton guided the trio through the specialist unit, which cares for cancer patients aged 16 to 24 from across Cheshire and Merseyside, Lancashire, South Cumbria, North Wales and the Isle of Man.
During the tour, Aurora, Courtney and Clare learned how life can change dramatically for young people going through cancer treatment. They saw first-hand the wider support network we fund to help young patients navigate this challenging journey.
This is where your generosity truly comes to life. Through Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, we fund initiatives that create a vital sense of community for young people during treatment, including:
- Days out that offer respite from hospital routine.
- Lunch clubs where young patients can connect with others who understand their experience.
- Support programmes that help maintain a sense of normality during an abnormal time.
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These aren’t just nice extras. For young people whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer, these funded activities provide essential emotional support, friendships and moments of joy that complement their medical treatment.
The players spent meaningful time with patients, signing footballs, hearing their stories and sharing light-hearted conversations about football. These simple moments of connection brought smiles and lifted spirits across the ward.
Everton and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan reflected on the experience: “It was really special to spend time at Clatterbridge and meet some of the young people and staff. The positivity and resilience they show is incredibly inspiring. If we can bring a bit of joy to their day, even for a short time, then it means a lot to us. It also gives us a real appreciation for the amazing work being done here and the support the charity provides.”
The visit also celebrated Hill Dickinson’s incredible two-year partnership with us, during which the firm has raised £31,000. Hill Dickinson has been Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s nominated charity for their Liverpool office and is the official naming rights partner for Everton’s magnificent new stadium on the banks of the River Mersey.
A Hill Dickinson spokesperson said: “Over the past two years, Hill Dickinson colleagues have come together to support Clatterbridge Cancer Charity as our Liverpool office charity. The enthusiasm, generosity and teamwork shown by our colleagues reflects our shared values and our desire to make a meaningful difference in the communities where we live and work.”
Our Corporate Fundraising Manager, Helen McLoughlin, added: “It was an honour to welcome players from Everton Women into the hospital to meet patients and staff. It gave a real boost to everyone they spoke to, and we hope we have given them a great insight into the care on offer for teenagers and young adults treated here.
We also want to say a huge thank you to Hill Dickinson for their fundraising efforts, which will help us make a real difference to the one in two people in our region affected by cancer.”
For 30 years, we’ve been the only charity dedicated to fundraising for patients at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Your donations fund:
- Groundbreaking research into new cancer treatments.
- Vital new equipment that saves and improves lives.
- Our arts in health programme that supports wellbeing during treatment.
- Lunch clubs for young patients to build community and connection.
- So much more that enhances care beyond what the NHS can provide
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Every donation, every fundraising event, every partnership like Hill Dickinson’s translates into real support for the one in two people in our region who will be affected by cancer.
Want to see where your support could go?
Discover more about the research, equipment and patient support we fund at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.
