Peterborough cancer survivor backs calls for better support for young people with disease
20-year-old Georgia Kennedy was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, but chose to have treatment closer to home
Last updated 12th Jul 2023
A cancer survivor from Peterborough is backing calls for better support for young patients who have to travel far for specialist treatment.
20-year-old Georgia Kennedy was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer Hodgkin Lymphoma last year.
She said she chose to go through treatment closer to home, instead of having to travel what could've taken more than an hour-and-a-half to access specialist care:
'The time it takes to get there... when you're feeling so unwell, it can be very taxing. After you've had treatment you just want to be at home straight away.'
'To worry about the financial side of things when travelling long distances, on top of the added stress of the journey time, all whilst you're feeling poorly - it all adds up.'
#RunningOnEmpty
The charity Young Lives vs Cancer are calling on the Government to help with covering the costs of long-distance specialist treatment for young cancer patients.
As part of their #RunningOnEmpty campaign, they've launched a petition that's reached over 7,000 signatures.
Their research shows, on average, children and young people with cancer and their families spend £250 on travel costs and travel 350 miles each month.
More than 7 in 10 of those affected are struggling to keep up with the costs, or are having to cut back in other areas.
Campaigners want to see a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund set up to help take the financial pressure of those that're going through their recovery.
Any young people with cancer and their families can seek support through the https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/ website.