Christie Impact Report 2025

Emotional support for young patients

The Peel Group Foundation’s generous funding has helped The Christie Charity support a vital psychological service for young patients aged 16–24 on the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) unit.

For 25-year-old teaching assistant Demisha Patel, diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023, this service became a lifeline. Led by consultant clinical psychologist Dr Louise Robinson, the service offers one-to-one, and group therapies tailored specifically to the unique emotional, social and developmental challenges faced by young people with cancer. Since launching in late 2022, it has supported 90 patients across more than 600 sessions. During her treatment at The Christie, the bespoke psychological support helped Demisha manage intense anxiety and regain a sense of control. “Talking to Louise gave me comfort I couldn’t get from family,” she said. “It was a safe space. She brought me back to the ‘right now’ when my mind was a bit crazy.”

Kate Holland from The Peel Group Foundation said: “The Christie Charity has been a long-standing partner of Peel, and this particular project really resonated with us. It’s hard to imagine the emotional impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis at any time — especially during the teenage years. The new TYA psychological service is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, offering specialist support at a time when they need it most. We are truly grateful to play a part in helping to make this vital service available.” It’s thanks to partners like the Peel Foundation that young people like Demisha receive the care they need, when they need it most.

RIGHT Kate Holland

24 The Christie Charity Impact Report 2024/25