A York charity has launched four new projects aimed at improving life outcomes for children affected by brain tumours.
Thanks to significant support from fundraisers, Oscar’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity has launched its first research call, with one of the projects based right here in York.
This development marks a significant step forward in Oscar’s mission to improve medical outcomes and enhance patient care.
Oscar Hughes, from Dunnington, tragically passed away from a brain tumour in October 2014 at the age of nine
The charity was founded in his name a month later to support children going through similar struggles.
Almost 11 years later, researchers at the University of York will carry out the first of the Oscar’s-funded projects, just a few steps away from where Oscar used to enjoy tennis training sessions.
University of York
Dr Nicola O’Donnell of the Department of Health Sciences at The University of York will be exploring the psychological and social wellbeing of young people affected by paediatric brain tumours.
Her project aims to provide insights into the long-term effect of childhood brain tumours, using the voices and experiences of survivors to develop better support interventions.
Dr O’Donnell said, “As both a practising psychologist and a researcher, I see first-hand how devastating the impact of brain tumours can be on how children see themselves and interact with the world around them. We are honoured to be awarded a grant with OSCAR’s to improve evidence-based support for this group.”
Her research goal is to understand how young people who have had a brain tumour think and feel.
She added: “We want to learn more about the impact on their mental and emotional health, how they get along with others, and how their lives have changed after their diagnosis and treatment.
“We know that many young people who survive cancer face challenges like low self-esteem, trouble concentrating, and difficulty making friends; we want to understand these experiences specifically with young people affected by brain tumours.
To carry out this research, the team will work closely with young people and their families, ensuring their voices are at the forefront of the findings.
Dr. O’Donnell said, ”We hope this research will feed into our wider work, to help us create better support programmes for young people who have had brain tumours.”
Leeds Teaching Hospitals
OSCAR’s have also granted The Lily Harley Award to Paul Chumas at Leeds Teaching Hospitals to work on genetic manipulation of some of the most aggressive childhood brain tumours.
Lily, from Lincolnshire, tragically passed away on 28 March 2023 at the age of four.
To carry on her legacy, Lily’s parents set up a supporter group linked to OSCAR’s, which has raised over £24,000 since her passing.
The work at Leeds looks to open new therapeutic approaches to treating Medulloblastoma, Apendymoma and Midline Glioma.
The Great North Children’s Hospital
The third project will be carried out at The Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, focusing on improving concentration levels for childhood survivors of brain tumours.
Initial work completed by Professor Sarah Verity has already shown life-changing results for children.
One mum said, “The difference is incredible. Jake says he feels like himself again. He can keep up in class, join in conversations with friends and has started enjoying reading again, something he avoided. Seeing Jake happier has been a huge relief for us all.”
Cancer Research
Lastly, OSCAR’s will be funding work carried out at the internationally-renowned institute of Cancer Research in London, led by Dr. Julia Cockle.
Her team will investigate immunotherapy approaches to killing cancer cells in the most devastating form of paediatric brain tumours, DIPG.
DIPG is a form of brain tumour with a current survival rate of less than 2%.
Parents are often told at their child’s diagnosis to go and make memories. This study aims to improve children’s chances when faced with such a crippling prognosis.
For more information about the research projects, or how to get involved with OSCAR’s and help fund this and other works, contact Charity Manager, Phil Matinez, here.
You can find out more about the charity through their website and on social media at @oscarscharity.