Behind the Cancer Research UK Star Awards

The Star Awards from Cancer Research UK for Children and Young people are a touching way to celebrate and strengthen bravery shown by children diagnosed with cancer. Every child under the age of 18 can be nominated and all receive a trophy, t-shirt and a £50 TK Maxx gift card.  More than 500 children were nominated to receive the special trophy package last year.

Children’s voices are at the heart of the Star Awards. Last year, they joined forces with poet Joseph Coelho to create ‘Courage Looks Like Me,’ a moving piece that captured what bravery feels like to them. You can read the poem here.

Behind every award is a story. On the Cancer Research UK website, you can read about Zara, who relapse with leukaemia in 2022, underwent a stem cell transplant, and proudly rang the end-of-treatment bell the following year. Or Stanley, diagnosed with a Wilm tumour, faced surgery and radiotherapy but never stopped showing determination.

Each of these children remind us why the Star Awards matter so deeply.

None of this would be possible without TK Maxx, which has supported the scheme since 2004. Their partnership with Cancer Research UK has funded hundreds of research projects and helped thousands of children and young people take part in clinical trials.

There are many celebrity supporters involved. This year’s supporters include:

• Pixie Lott, singer
• Olivia Neill, YouTuber
• Dr Ranj, doctor and TV personality
• Jean-Christophe Novelli, chef
• Phil Gallagher, TV presenter
• Aston Merrygold, singer
• Cat Sandion, TV presenter
• Flossie Clegg, YouTuber
• Lewys Ball, YouTubers
• Jim Chapman, YouTuber

The importance of the Star Awards goes beyond trophies and certificates though. They give children the recognition they deserve, raise awareness of childhood cancer and shine a light on the progress being made in research and treatment.

They also remind families that every act of bravery counts.

Would you like to nominate someone for the star awards? Click here!