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An award scheme recognising the courage of children and young people who have been diagnosed with cancer has been launched with the support of TV star 'Mister Maker'.
The character appears on CBeebies and has his own YouTube channel. His shows encourage youngsters to be creative and to use their imaginations.
Now, he and charity Cancer Research UK - supported by chain store TK Maxx - want to hear all about the courageous children of the Channel Islands who have to deal with a diagnosis of a serious illness and their subsequent treatment.
Cancer Research UK says around seven children are diagnosed with cancer in the islands every year.
The families of those young people are now being asked to nominate them in the run up to Christmas.
The Star Awards are open to all children under 18 who live in the UK or the Channel Islands and have been treated for the disease within the past five years.
There is no judging panel, because Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition.
Everyone nominated will receive a trophy, t-shirt, and a certificate signed by a host of famous faces, including celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TV personality Dr Ranj and Mister Maker.
They will also receive a £50 TK Maxx gift card which can be used on future trips to the UK.
Children’s TV presenter, Phil Gallagher who is better known as Mister Maker, said: “The strength these young people show when faced with a cancer diagnosis is remarkable, and that’s why I’m supporting the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards again this year. Their courage and resilience needs to be honoured, and the Star Awards are such a lovely way of doing that and showing them how special they are.”
Cancer Research UK statistics show that seven new cancer cases were diagnosed in people aged up to 19 years old in Guernsey and Jersey each year between 2012 and 2016.
During the same period there were fewer than five cancer deaths in people aged 0-19 years in Guernsey and Jersey each year.
Lynn Daly, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the Channel Islands, said the charity will soon be marking a big anniversary and it wants to honour the bravery of the local children it has supported.
“As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the progress made in the fight against the disease, but there’s still much further to go. A cancer diagnosis is heart-breaking at any age, but it can be particularly difficult for a child or young person and their families - especially when many may experience serious long-term side effects from their treatment.
“Our Star Awards shine an important light on these inspirational individuals, so we’re urging people to get nominating now so we can celebrate their incredible courage.”
To nominate a star visit Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards.
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