Introducing Our Newest Patron

We are delighted to welcome a brand new Patron to our team: Dr Anne Davidson!

Anne will be a familiar face to many of our children and families in her role as Paediatric Consultant at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital and we couldn't be happier to have her on board.

It has long been one of our aims to have a medical professional on board as Patron of CWCF. We know that Anne, with her expert medical knowledge and years of experience in the treatment of childhood cancer, will be uniquely placed to offer invaluable support and guidance to continue moving our charity forward.

We couldn't wait to find out a little bit more about her:

When did you first hear about the work of Children with Cancer Fund?

"I started working at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton many years ago in May 2000 and was quickly aware of the lovely events and support given to children and families by Children with Cancer Fund, providing aspects of holistic care that helps make undergoing cancer treatment that bit better.

The families would often mention the short breaks they had in the caravans, and over the years I have heard about various social events which the children have obviously enjoyed hugely and which have allowed families to make connections and friends which have been invaluable during their often difficult treatment journeys."

What will you bring to the role of Patron?

"I welcome the opportunity to become a patron as I appreciate that Children with Cancer Fund is able to help a child having cancer treatment to have fun and enjoy normal family time in a safe and supported way. I hope that the experience I have of the medical aspects of care will be useful in building the charity's future and look forward to contributing what I can."

Why did you decide to specialise in paediatric oncology?

"I think I always knew I wanted to be a doctor - I'm not sure why but probably because my father was a vet and my mother a nurse and often went out with my Dad on farm visits assisting on operations (I'm sure that wouldn't happen nowadays!). After qualifying as a doctor I quickly decided on a career in paediatrics and my first post was on the children's cancer ward in Newcastle upon Tyne, where the experience of working in such a fantastic multidisciplinary team led me to specialise in paediatric oncology."

What keeps you motivated on the toughest days?

"Although challenging at times the children are such a joy to work with, and seeing young people in our long term follow up clinics and who have grown into amazing young adults with children of their own is a privilege and we are always learning from them."

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Anne for choosing to lend her voice and time to CWCF. We are looking forward to working together to guide our charity into the future.

Welcome to the CWCF family, Anne 💛