Our news

Here is our latest news – you can subscribe to receive a monthly bulletin by filling in your details in the login on the bottom left of every page. To read about our members whose stories have appeared in the press, see our latest news page.

 

Eye cancer campaigners mark first victory

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust is celebrating its first campaign victory after much-needed information on retinoblastoma was published by the NHS. CHECT launched a campaign urging the Dept of Health to publish details after parents complained they were being left in the dark over the life-threatening disease. For details on the campaign and how to support it click here.

Eye cancer families making the news

Families affected by retinoblastoma hit the headlines all over the UK throughout the festive season with amazing awareness-raising efforts hitting headlines in local and national newspapers as well as TV coverage. Read more here.

Welcome to 2012, our 25th year - are you up to the challenge?

In 2012 CHECT celebrates its 25th birthday. To reach our fundraising target of £250,000 we need help - and lots of it. Supporters are signing up for our '25' challenge and now's your chance to join them. So far we've had sponsored slimming, sponsored baking, 25 car washes and more ideas are coming into the office every day. If you're stuck for inspiration, we've a list of 25 ideas here to help you on your way.

Report back from Eureka! family meet-up

The North regional meet-up at Eureka National Children's Museum was a great success with fun for everyone - full report and pictures available here.

Retinoblastoma patient Lillia hits headlines

Toddler Lillia Whittle has been making headlines in the south west thanks to her parents' courageous efforts to raise awareness just weeks after her diagnosis. Read the full story here.

Own-place marathon runners needed to help mark CHECT's 25th year

We are looking for marathon runners who have secured their own place to run for our 25th anniversary in 2012. More information available here.

Potter star Walters backs CHECT research appeal

Screen legend Julie Walters has added her backing to a CHECT research appeal by appealing to businesses for vital funding. Find out more here.

Annual Members' Day 2011

Reporting back on the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust Annual Members' Day. Find out more here.

 

World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week

The media coverage leading up to and during Retinoblastoma Awareness Week 2011 has been phenomenal – our members have done us extremely proud with coverage literally reaching millions of people.

Each individual story helped to educate people about the signs and symptoms of childhood eye cancer and many helped highlight our campaign to get the NHS to improve information for parents on the signs of the disease.

Stories appeared in the following places...

  • BBC London Radio Breakfast
  • BBC World Service (Radio)
  • BBC Online news – shared 1,305 times through individuals' social media sites and other news websites around the globe.
  • BBC South TV
  • BBC Look East TV
  • BBC Look North TV
  • London Tonight TV
  • Meridian TV
  • Anglia TV
  • Daily Telegraph /Telegraph online
  • Daily Express
  • South London Guardian
  • Medway Messenger
  • Newcastle Chronicle
  • New Post Leader
  • News Shopper
  • Colchester Gazette
  • Braintree and Witham Times
  • Essex County Standard
  • Clacton and Frinton Gazette
  • Crewe Chronicle
  • Eastern Daily Press
  • More Magazine (online)
  • Vision Express website
  • Rocket News website
  • Oh Internets website
  • Madeformums website
  • Parentpages website
  • Netmums website
  • Opticianonline website
  • Childalert website (child safety and wellbeing)
  • Talk photography website forum

These are just the ones we are aware of. Please let us know if you are aware of any other coverage so we can add it to our records.

All this media attention is having an impact - we have recently been invited to submit a proposal to the committee responsible for making amendments to the PCHR (red book). Watch this space for more campaign news!

If you would like to back our petition for change, sign our petition and urge your MP to take action now. See instructions on how to approach your MP below.

If you would like to raise awareness in another way, we can supply leaflets and posters for displays in GP surgeries, for example, or send you leaflets for distribution around your local school.

You let us know what you need to help spread the word and we will do all we can to help you achieve this.

Your campaign pack consists of:
Letter to members paper icon Download here
Campaign proposal paper icon Download here
Letter to MPs paper icon Download here

 

The Ride of their Lives!

SOUTH COAST SPECTACULAR
RIDE2RAISE

The first ever Childhood Eye Cancer Trust Ride2Raise took place on 12-14 June – from Brighton Seafront to Exeter Castle.

Eight riders, some more experienced than others, set off with some trepidation in the wet and windy conditions that blew along Brighton seafront on Sunday morning….

Tim Watling, support member at Ride2Raise kept an excellent Ride Diary. Read more here

 

A big thank you to: Dave, Duncan, Tristan, Owen, Matt and Simon, and excellent support and organisation by Richard, Peter, Tim and Jules.


There are still 3 places for next June if having read the above you feel inspired to take part (and how could you not!), and it's at half term so no excuses for the teachers! There are still places on the October ride too.

Please note that both these rides will probably be reduced to just 2 days (Brighton to Weymouth) as the stage from Weymouth to Exeter was even tougher and more technical than we expected - and certainly not something I'd want to put those who have signed up so far through. Of course, we didn't mind subjecting Dave, Duncan etc to it! More news on this soon but please expect dates to be 2-3 Oct 2011 and 2-3 June 2012.

For more information phone Fiona on 020 7377 5578.

 

Giveacar - Bangers for Cash!

Working in conjunction with a nationwide salvage operator Giveacar is able to collect any car or vehicle from anywhere in the UK, at no cost to you. Giveacar also cares for the environment, and cars that are not auctionable are de-polluted, recycled and disposed of in accordance with DVLA and Environmental Agency guidelines. A minimum of 85% of the weight of your car is recycled, and each car raises an average of £80 for charity. Go to www.giveacar.co.uk and make your banger earn cash for the Trust.

Changes to the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

As you may know, people who are blind/severely sight impaired did not automatically get the higher rate mobility component of DLA. The RNIB has been lobbying for changes to this for some years, and the rules are now changing.

People are receiving a phone call at home if the Benefits Agency thinks they might be entitled to the higher rate - but the criteria are not the same as certification/registration of visual impairment, also all new DLA claims are subject to medical examination.

The RNIB have produced a very helpful factsheet explaining all the changes and the eligibility. It is called 'New rules about DLA higher rate mobility component from April 2011'. To get a copy of the factsheet call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999 and ask for the Advice Team. They can send or email you the information in any format you want it in.