Leeds Children’s Hospital joins ATICUS Network to support children with blood cancer.

A world first, pioneering new paediatric clinical trials network dedicated to supporting children with blood cancer is set to launch in Leeds, marking a significant step forward in the work of national blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia.

Cure Leukaemia is inviting businesses and individuals across Yorkshire to join them on Wednesday 14 May to learn more about The ATICUS (Accelerating Paediatric Trials Into Children’s UK Services) Network at DLA Piper’s offices in City Square House, Leeds.

The event will bring medical professionals, patients and families together to share their experiences and highlight the urgent need for increased access to life-saving treatments through clinical trials.

Supported by Cure Leukaemia patron Gary Lineker OBE, the ATICUS Network, which requires £ 1 million funding per year, aims to bridge the gap in paediatric cancer research and provide greater hope to families across the UK.

On the launch of the ATICUS network, Gary added: “Four children every day are diagnosed with blood cancer in the UK, affecting children as young as 3 months old, and is the most common cancer in children and teens, including my son George who was less than a year old when he was diagnosed. The ATICUS Network is groundbreaking in the blood cancer landscape and will provide hope to so many children and their families, and just needs funding.”

Dr Beki James of Leeds Children’s Hospital will be among the key speakers at the event, alongside patients and their families who have experienced the devastating impact of blood cancer first-hand.

“This network will offer families the hope of better treatment options and brighter futures, so it’s vital the network is funded as soon as possible”, Dr James said about the ATICUS Network.

Natalie Sadler, who sadly lost her daughter Arabella aged just seven after a battle with leukaemia and has headed up a fundraising campaign for charity Cure Leukaemia since Arabella's death, will speak about the importance of the ATICUS network.

Leeds United supporter Jude Hawkridge was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2020, and thankfully is now in remission, and Jude’s mum Jo, will speak on the night about the importance of clinical trials. “We support Cure Leukaemia because we need more trials, we need to get the trials that are available for adults available for children. Without a trial, my son would no longer be here”

Cure Leukaemia, founded in 2003, supports clinical trials to accelerate access to promising new treatments for blood cancer patients. The charity funds specialist research nurses and resources at hospitals nationwide, helping connect patients with potentially life-saving therapies that would otherwise be out of reach.

To reserve a place at the event, visit https://www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/events/cure-leukaemia-aticus-network-roadshow-leeds/