Strengthening the lobbying voice of Young Lives Vs Cancer was one of the key reasons an insurer sponsored the charity’s latest piece of research.
Earlier this week the charity released a report sponsored by Guardian on cancer costs which surveyed 259 participants and revealed the “cancer premium” can add around £700 a month to outgoings of young cancer patients and their families.
At a charity lunch earlier this week, Rachel Kirby-Rider, chief executive officer (CEO) at Young Lives vs Cancer, told guests financial difficulties and hardship are just the reality for families when their child is diagnosed with cancer – even with government support.
And fellow speaker Guardian CEO Katya MacLean (pictured) added that one of the key purposes of sponsoring the research was to give the charity a strong evidence base for lobbying work they are doing with the government.
“Of all the topics that we might have got interested in, might have got involved in and sponsor, why did we pick this one?” MacLean continued.
“Well firstly, when we think about the kinds of claims that we pay as business, this a topic that is close to our heart.
“We have people in our claims teams who have experience of dealing with families in this situation and it’s close to all of our hearts.
“Secondly, if we think about whatever the outcomes of lobbying might be in future, there is currently a gap and families need to be supported to look after themselves in these situations and the people in this room can be part of that answer for families.”
But MacLean added she hoped advisers would also make use of the research.
“The research that we have here will help advisers we hope to have some of those really difficult conversations when advising families whether they should take out for example children’s critical illness cover,” she added.
“So we hope it will be of practical use to you and who you work with.”