children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent.
The charity, formed by the merger of CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children has been chosen as Chelsea' s official charity. The partnership is for a minimum of two years.
The club' s backing was given at a press conference at Stamford Bridge this afternoon attended by Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and manager and first team coach José Mourinho. Also present at the event were Gary Lineker, Eddie Jordan, Kirsty Young and Barry McGuigan, all patrons of CLIC Sargent.
Peter Kenyon said: "This is a great day for CLIC Sargent and also for
Chelsea. We are delighted to be partnering with a new charity that will do such fantastic work, at the beginning of its life. This is the first time Chelsea has had an official relationship of this nature and everybody at the club is looking forward to raising the awareness of CLIC Sargent to new levels as well as raising a large amount of money for its projects."
José Mourinho said:"I believe that football can be a force for good in so
many ways and this partnership will be a great example of that. It is always
humbling, and moving, to see the bravery of those children and their families
who battle against serious illness. Myself and the players are committed to
making that a successful battle and helping as many families as we can."
CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children have been supporting children with cancer for a combined sixty-five years. The aim of the merged charity is to further improve the level of care and support to children with cancer and ensure greater strategic planning of future services.
Also present at the launch was David Ellis, Chief Executive of CLIC Sargent,
who said:"We are honoured and absolutely delighted to be announced as
Chelsea's first national charity partner, especially today, on our launch
day. CLIC Sargent has a great heritage in CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children. We are working to provide even greater care and support to children with cancer and their families and with Chelsea's backing will be able to deliver even more."
The majority of people are unaware that treatment for childhood cancer can
last more than one year. The reality is that standard treatment for a boy with
one of the most common forms of childhood leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic
leukaemia, can be three times that - during which time he is likely to take
4,265 tablets on standard treatment with no complications or antibiotics,
alongside receiving other non-tablet treatments like radiotherapy.
Even shorter treatment can have devastating effects due to the harsh drugs needed to combat childhood cancer.
There is also the emotional cost to the child, who can live with uncertainty
for their future, often knowing nurses better than they do their teachers or
playmates. There is the emotional, practical and financial cost to the whole
family, with one parent often having to devote many months, if not years, to
care full time for the child. Even if the cancer is cured, children can face
major health issues including infertility, restricted growth and organ damage
from harsh cancer treatment.
David Ellis continued:" More than 70% of children now survive cancer, but in
doing so they often face harsh and rigorous treatment. We want to make sure all children and their families get emotional, social and practical support every step of the way. CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children can do this better as one organisation, drawing together our resources and services to ensure that we work seamlessly and that future services are planned strategically."
CLIC Sargent is now the leading children' s cancer charity in the UK, last
month supporting 2,026 families and children with cancer. 162 CLIC Sargent care professionals at 22 specialist centres and out in the community throughout the UK provide emotional, social and practical support; 7 CLIC Sargent homes near hospitals provide a haven where families can stay whilst their children undergo treatment and the CLIC Sargent holiday service enables families to take a break in the knowledge that care is on hand for their child.
Financial support is also provided to families in need to help them cope with the added cost of cancer.
CLIC Sargent will have a presence across the UK with offices in London,
Bristol, Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
For more information about CLIC Sargent or to make a donation visit www.clicsargent.org.uk or telephone 0845 301 0031.