Young lives transformed by amazing £23m you gave

Wetherspoon’s staff and customers have reached a new milestone in fundraising for their chosen charity – Young Lives vs Cancer.

They have now raised an incredible £23 million.

For more than two decades, staff and customers have raised money for the charity which supports young people (0–25) with cancer and their families.

As well as national events (including the KICK football tournament and darts tournament), dedicated staff and customers have participated in numerous fundraisers, including quizzes, bake sales, hikes, raffles and parachute jumps.

Young Lives vs Cancer helps young people with cancer, and their families, from the moment of diagnosis.

The charity’s specialist social workers are there to provide the support they need, when they need it, such as liaising with a child’s school or a parent’s employer or helping to navigate the costs of cancer.

Young Lives vs Cancer also provides financial grants to help families with the associated costs of cancer, such as travel to hospital, food and extra clothing.

The charity’s 10 Homes from Home offer families free, homely accommodation close to the hospital where they are being treated, enabling the family to be together during the toughest of times.

Young Lives vs Cancer’s strategic partnerships lead, Alex O’Connell, said: “Thank you so much to every employee and all customers at Wetherspoon who helped to raise this amazing amount of money to help young people with cancer.

“The money raised by the Wetherspoon team will make such a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer and their families.

“From all of us at Young Lives vs Cancer – a very big thankyou.”

Wetherspoon’s people director, Tom Ball, added: “We are immensely proud to be associated with Young Lives vs Cancer.

“We are delighted that we have reached the £23-million milestone and look forward to raising even more money in the months and years ahead.”

Young Lives vs Cancer’s partnership fundraiser Sam Hughes-Smith (far left) and Young Lives vs Cancer’s strategic partnerships lead Alex O’Connell (third left) are pictured with Wetherspoon’s founder and chairman Tim Martin and head-office staff.