Young Lives vs Cancer - our new charity partner for 2026/27

We are throwing our support behind Young Lives vs Cancer - by naming the charity as our official good cause for 2026 and 2027.

We will spend the next two years raising funds and awareness to help the charity’s specialist social workers provide tailored support to children and young people with cancer, and their families. 

With its local team based at Southampton General Hospital, Young Lives vs Cancer provides vital emotional, practical and financial support for young people and families facing cancer. Last year alone, the charity helped 197 cancer patients - from 0-25 years old - from Hampshire. Very sadly, not all children survive their treatment, so the team also provide bereavement support for families too. 

“We know the impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical, and that impact can be felt by the entire family,” said Liz Blunt, senior fundraising engagement manager for Hampshire from Young Lives vs Cancer. 

“Part of our range of services is to provide financial hardship grants. Our research shows that, on average, a family needs to find an extra £700 a month whilst their child is undergoing treatment to cover costs like fuel to get to treatment and food while in hospital. We also offer ‘Jean’s House’ - a seven-bedroom Home from Home in Shirley, where families can stay for free for as long as they need in order to be close to the hospital. 

“At Young Lives vs Cancer, we rely on donations to fund our vital work. We are always looking for support, to help us do what we do for local children and young people. Our new charity partnership with Bluestar promises to make a significant difference to the lives of people living within the local community, and we are looking forward to raising some much-needed funds together over the next two years.”

Bluestar general manager, Richard Tyldesley, added: “Young Lives vs Cancer is a vital resource within our local area, and the charity relies on donations from those living and working here.

“Our corporate charity is voted for by the Bluestar team. Some of my colleagues have benefited or will benefit directly from the support the Young Lives vs Cancer provides, so we are delighted to be backing this very worthy cause, and raising as much money as possible over the coming years.”

We have a busy two years ahead and are also promoting the charity on-board and on the rear and interior of one of our buses.

“Hopefully, the messages will be seen by thousands traveling across the region - and this will help increase awareness for this very worthy cause,” added Richard Tyldesley. 

For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer, please visit their website here.