Shine A Light Childhood Cancer Support

Overview
Shine A Light Childhood Cancer Support is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancer. The charity focuses on children and young people aged 0 to 24 years and provides continuous support from diagnosis for as long as families need it. Shine A Light operates primarily in the Coventry and Warwickshire regions and maintains a family centre located in Coventry City Centre.

Charitable Status

• Charity Number: 1171090
• Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales
• Financial year ending 29 February 2024 reported a total income of £143,475 and expenditure of £134,698
• Operates without paying trustees or employees benefits over £60,000
• Supported by approximately 50 volunteers and governed by 4 trustees

Mission and Services
Shine A Light’s mission is to provide vital emotional, practical, and social support to families navigating the challenges posed by childhood and young adult cancer. Services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of families and include:

• Support throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis onwards
• Hosting activities and events at their Family Centre to provide respite and community for children and young people with cancer and their families
• Offering counselling sessions and therapy including art and holistic therapies
• Providing tutoring for children who have missed school due to treatment
• Conducting outreach projects, home visits, and support within hospital clinics
• Facilitating support groups and drop-in sessions for affected families and their friends

Volunteer Involvement
Volunteers are central to Shine A Light’s operations, helping to keep the Family Centre open five days a week, managing outreach activities, supporting community fundraising events, and assisting with administrative tasks. The charity provides training, induction, DBS checks where required, and reasonable expenses for volunteers, emphasizing a supportive environment for those who wish to contribute.

Impact and Funding
Shine A Light highlights the following examples of donation impact:

• £5 funds the cost per head for an activity day at the Family Centre
• £20 covers an hour of tutoring for a child who has missed school
• £45–£55 finances a counselling session for a child, young person, or family member affected by cancer
• £125 provides a welcome pack for a recently diagnosed family

History and Inspiration
The charity was founded by Sam Schoolar, who was herself diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at age 10. Her personal experience of childhood cancer and its long-term effects inspired her to establish Shine A Light to improve support for children and families currently facing similar journeys.

Geographical Reach
The charity serves families living in Coventry and Warwickshire, providing localised, accessible services tailored to communities affected by childhood cancer within this area.

This summary represents Shine A Light Childhood Cancer Support’s core activities, mission, and structure based on available registered charity information and organisational descriptions as of early 2025.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5090688 [2] https://www.shinealight.uk [3] https://www.instagram.com/shinealightccs/ [4] https://www.shinealight.uk/support-us/ [5] https://www.cancercaremap.org/shine-a-light-support-services/