We are The Christie magazine - Edition 6

A virtual version of the proton beam therapy centre has been carefully recreated in Minecraft, giving children and young people the chance to explore what they will experience during treatment. It is believed to be the first time a working NHS facility has been brought to life in this way. The project has been developed with input from clinical teams and health play specialists at The Christie, who support children to understand their treatment in ways that feel familiar and less overwhelming.

Ten-year-old Ramatulaye, known as Rama, was the first patient to try it. She said: “It looks just the same as the hospital, it’s so cool. The centre feels very big when you get here, so being able to explore it in Minecraft helps you to understand where everything is, which is great. I think other children will love it just as much as me.” Sessions are supported by the health play team, who guide each child through the experience and use it to start conversations about treatment. The aim is not only to reduce anxiety, but to help children feel more prepared and involved in their care. Proton beam therapy centre manager at The Christie, Tom Edwards, said: “Having seen through my own children how fascinated they are by Minecraft, I knew that this would be a fantastic way for our young patients to explore the proton beam centre and overcome their fears. That’s why I was so excited to work with the Minecraft developers to help them build a version of our proton beam therapy centre in Minecraft.” The project attracted widespread media attention when Rama first used it. She featured on the BBC News website and the children's programme Newsround, and it was covered on BBC Radio 5 Live and North West Tonight, as well as in the Daily Express. You can watch the Newsround video by visiting bbc.co.uk/newsround and searching for ‘Minecraft Christie cancer centre’.

By exploring spaces such as reception areas, waiting areas, treatment rooms and scanners in Minecraft, patients can build confidence, ask questions, and feel more in control during what can be an uncertain time. Each year, The Christie treats around 120 children with proton beam therapy, a highly targeted form of radiotherapy. It uses protons, tiny particles found in atoms, to deliver radiation precisely to a tumour, helping to protect healthy tissue and reduce side effects. For many families, the scale and complexity of the treatment environment can feel daunting at first.

It looks just the same as the hospital, it’s so cool. The centre feels very big when you get here, so being able to explore it in Minecraft helps you to understand where everything is, which is great. I think other children will love it just as much as me. Rama, Christie patient

The Minecraft world has been designed to reflect real patient journeys as closely as possible. Children can move through the centre, interact with equipment, and even discover playful features such as hidden rooms and a keyboard piano. The environment has been scaled up to make it easier to navigate, while still being recognisable to those attending for treatment.

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