Kidscan welcomes children of Ward 84 to cancer research laboratory

Children’s cancer research charity, Kidscan, has welcomed children and families from The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital’s Ward 84 into its laboratory for a day of scientific exploration.

The children, who have all received cancer treatment on Ward 84, became scientists for the afternoon, taking part in a series of dramatic visual experiments to discover how solids transform into liquids and gases.

Specialist cancer research scientist, Dr. Steve Rossington, explained how the charity is using science to uncover new, more targeted treatments to fight childhood cancer.

Dr. David Pye, Scientific Director at Kidscan, said: “It was a joy to watch each child captivated by science and, most importantly, having fun.

“These children and their families have been through a lot. Most of them are still fighting cancer and the harsh side effects of treatments that aren’t designed for their growing bodies.

“We are determined to change this for them by creating gentler, more effective treatments. As a charity, we receive no statutory funding and rely on public support to make this a reality. The University of Salford and the staff at the Environment and Life Sciences Faculty are invaluable to our success”

Ward 84 is a specialist oncology and haematology inpatient unit for children and young people suffering from cancer. The ages of the children who attended Kidscan’s laboratory ranged from five to sixteen.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in children in the UK with around 1,600 children being diagnosed each year. Unfortunately 1 in 5 of these will not survive. Every day six families receive the terrible news of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Kidscan are striving to change these figures through ground breaking research, giving every child with cancer their best chance at life.