Supporting young cancer patients in Tom’s name

Giving Back: Richard Bowdidge MBE, The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation

My son, Tom, was 18 years old when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour. The prognosis was poor from the outset, but Tom was determined to be the first person to be cured.

This determination kept him going for 13 months, and in that time, he laid out his plans for setting up his charity. He knew what was missing for teenagers with cancer. Sadly, he never saw this come to fruition as he passed away on October 18, 2013.

His legacy

Co-founded by myself and my wife, Nikki (Tom’s mum), the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation was launched following his wishes. It is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by young people (aged 13-24) in the UK who have been diagnosed with cancer, and their families. It focuses on three key areas: providing emotional and physical support, age-appropriate hospital rooms and spaces, and research on specific cancers that affect teenagers and young adults.

The young people whom we support are mostly students or starting at work, and cancer has turned their lives upside down. While dealing with the ill effects of treatment, they also suffer from psychosocial effects, financial hardship and social isolation.

With seven teenagers and young adults being told they have cancer every day, the need for our support is increasing. For every person we help, there will be many more we can’t. We aim to bring that number down in England and Wales.

It is heartbreaking to hear about the challenges that families with young cancer patients are facing. The fact that referrals are coming from social workers and healthcare professionals daily, underscores the crucial role the charity plays in supporting individuals who are navigating not only the physical and emotional challenges of cancer, but also the financial burdens that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Our work

The pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have seen the need for our services spiral. The diversity of this support ranges from essential living assistance – addressing everyday needs such as food, heating, travel costs, clothing and bedding – to specialised support like physiotherapy and IT equipment. The support given reflects a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects that contribute to the well-being of individuals and their families during such difficult times.

Over the last 11 years, the charity has individually helped more than 700 teenagers and young adults. This has significantly reduced stress and worry, and enabled young people to stay in contact with friends and family. For many youngsters, it has been possible to continue their studies so that they have something to live for when they finish their treatment.

The charity has created eight rooms and age-appropriate spaces across the country so that teenagers can be treated as young people first and cancer patients second. These spaces allow privacy and for family or friends to stay. They are bright and modern, with kitchen facilities, game consoles, TVs and even a jukebox.

Tom was aware that very little research had been done on these rare and aggressive cancers affecting young people. The Foundation wants to change this and has subsequently given more than £435,000 in funding for specific research projects that will hopefully discover more effective treatments.