Christie Impact Report 2025

Supporting young minds Thanks to the generous support of long-time donor and fundraiser, Jan Trevalyan and his partner Lisa Marriott, The Christie Charity is helping to advance crucial research into the mental health of young cancer patients.

The couple’s annual fundraising ball raised an incredible £250,000 this year, which is funding a clinical PhD student to explore the possible under-diagnosis of autism and ADHD in children and young people undergoing cancer treatment. Dr Hannah Slevin, the appointed PhD student, is leading this pioneering research. She explains, “I’m extremely grateful to Jan and Lisa and The Christie Charity for supporting my PhD. I am developing a clinical study to better understand mental health, autism, and ADHD in this vulnerable group.” “The types of cancer that affect teenagers and young adults are different from those that typically affect other age groups. They need their own research programmes and specialist care. “I’ve been looking at what research is already out there and am undertaking a detailed review. I’ve also applied to run a study

involving young people and parents, inviting them to complete questionnaires about mental health, autism and ADHD at The Christie and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Plus, I’m hoping to access data from the University of Leeds that tracks cancer in children and young people in Yorkshire. My aim is to use this information to help improve support for young cancer patients who are neurodiverse.”

RIGHT Dr Hannah Slevin (centre) Jan Trevalyan and Lisa Marriott.

12 The Christie Charity Impact Report 2024/25