Christie Impact Report 2025

When Richard and Lucy Cook’s two-year old daughter, Pippa, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in August 2024, their world was rocked. Following surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Pippa was referred to The Christie for 33 sessions of proton beam therapy.

The treatment, delivered at The Christie’s state-of-the-art high energy proton beam therapy centre — one of only two NHS centres in the country — helped save Pippa’s life. The centre includes a dedicated research room made possible by £5.6 million raised by supporters of The Christie Charity. It’s a space used for improving treatments and outcomes for patients. Throughout Pippa’s time at The Christie, the team went above and beyond to support the family. “Each day they played with her, supported us, and made us feel welcome,” says Pippa’s dad, Richard. “Pippa loved the playroom — she would get so excited to go there and meet the nurses, play therapists and anaesthetists who all interacted with her and treated her with respect.” Determined to show their gratitude, the Cook family signed up for The Christie Charity’s Festive Dash at Heaton Park in November 2024. Pippa, her parents, grandparents, aunty and cousin all took part, travelling from their homes in Solihull. “Everyone we came across at The Christie works so hard to make sure every family is looked after and that the children don’t feel scared about being in hospital,” added Richard. “Taking part in the Festive Dash was just our small way of contributing to The Christie Charity.”

LEFT Richard, Lucy and Pippa Cook

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