Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire teenagers facing cancer see Youth Support funding increase
Big-hitting fundraising swung into action to provide hundreds of hours of support for young people facing cancer – thanks to a 2025 event that saw businesses come together to increase positive impacts for communities.
It follows 100 Youth Support Co-ordinator hours already supported in the Midlands and in Scotland, in 2024 – and has been made possible through a golfing fundraising event, run by national business water retailer Water Plus which saw people from England and Scotland take part.
A huge range of top auction and raffle prizes were also available, with signed sporting memorabilia including footballs signed by Premiership players and signed photos, a hamper from a global chocolate-maker, alongside a signed photo by a UK top 2 chart singer.
They were donated by big-hearted individuals and big businesses to help deliver thousands of extra pounds to fund action by the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity partner of Water Plus. The big funding drive now means at least 300 Youth Support Co-ordinator hours have been funded in 2025 – above the 200-hour target – with more fundraising activity planned by Water Plus.
And Steve Staunton, former manager and international professional football player, who also played for Liverpool and Aston Villa, also joined the event, to support the fundraising efforts.
The money will go towards providing extra help needed by young people, including for their mental wellbeing and relationships, throughout their treatment for cancer.
Charlotte Kendall, Senior Relationship Manager at Teenage Cancer Trust was at the event and said: “It’s simply amazing seeing the support for the fundraising with our charity partner business water retailer Water Plus – and the brilliant results, which will help Youth Support Co-ordinators who work alongside Teenage Cancer Trust nurses.“Every day, seven young people in the UK hear the words ‘you have cancer’ and these Youth Support Co-ordinators wouldn’t be there for young people if it wasn’t due to funding from partners, so joining our efforts with Water Plus – is – and will deliver meaningful and more positive impacts.“Thank you to Water Plus for organising the fantastic fundraising action – and thank you to all the businesses and people who have contributed to such a great total raised – it will make a huge and positive difference to many young people in the UK.”
The two-year charity partnership with Water Plus got underway in autumn 2024 and will see hundreds of more Youth Support Co-ordinator hours provided in England and Scotland – through Water Plus awareness-raising and fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Teenage Cancer Trust funds specialist nurses and youth support teams in Staffordshire to provide the very best care and support during treatment and beyond, applying funds raised to the areas of greatest need.
Jason Scagell, Chief Executive of Water Plus who also joined the fundraising action, said: “It’s fantastic to contribute even more funds in our partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust, so we can drive as many positive impacts and essential support as we can – and, ultimately, help as many young people facing cancer as possible. The Teenage Cancer Trust provides superb support and we’re proud to be a partner, supporting its work.”
The event was sponsored by Expert Water, which also provides services for businesses around water and cost efficiency in the UK.
For 2025, as a result of fundraising this year, at least 220 Youth Support Co-ordinators hours are being funded for those living in Staffordshire, Birmingham and the Midlands, and at least 70 hours in Scotland.
Of the 100 Youth Co-ordinator hours supported in 2024 – 75 are in the Midlands and 25 are in Scotland, providing support for young people. In total, there are 92 Teenage Cancer Trust nurses and Youth Support Co-ordinators and 28 specialist cancer units built-in hospitals across the UK.
Water Plus, which works with businesses and other organisations, including hospitals and other the public sector sites, providing water retail services including customer service and account management, meter reading, water-saving site audits and additional water tracking technology, is also part of a Careers Hub in Staffordshire and a Careers Enterprise Programme to encourage young people into work in the future.
It’s also supporting a girls and ladies football league to help young people grow confidence, build skills for the future, gain referee and coaching qualifications and help health and wellbeing through sport and active lifestyles.
To find out more about the Water Plus actions in communities, click here.
For the JustGiving page – and to make a donation to Teenage Cancer Trust, click here.
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