Claire, 23

“I was referred to NICFC when I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 20 and my Family Worker, Angela told me about the Youth Programme.  Joining the Programme was one of the best things I’ve ever done.  It allowed me to meet other young people who had cancer and made me realise that I wasn’t the only one to go through this.  It has helped to build my self-confidence and gave me a more positive outlook on life.  I’m now too old for the Youth Programme but I volunteer for the charity to help other young people realise that they can get through cancer, no matter how hard it feels at the time.”

John, 14

“When I first had cancer, I didn’t like to talk about it. I felt no one would understand. Then I joined NICFC, and met lots of people who were going through the same experience.  It wasn’t just me! We have had some amazing times and participated in great activities like kayaking and canoeing.  Being part of NICFC  has helped me to come to terms with how I was feeling, and now I can really talk about it- they have given me my confidence back.”

Jorge, 16

“Having cancer left me feeling really isolated, I didn’t know anyone else who was young and had cancer. I couldn’t meet other people in case of infection, so it was very lonely. NICFC held some community events in my local area and that’s how I became involved. I have met lots of new people and made some great friends. This has helped me cope with my treatment and what was happening to me. It’s much easier to talk about cancer to people my own age who have gone through it themselves and who understand what it’s like. ”