Research

Every day 10 children are diagnosed with cancer

Currently all types of brain tumour are treated the same, but this isn’t a one size fits all scenario. It’s like trying to put a plaster on a broken arm: ineffective and unlikely to produce the best outcome. We believe different treatments are needed for different types of tumour in order to maximise the survival rate. 

Medulloblastoma is the most common high-grade childhood tumour, accounting for 15-20% of all childhood brain tumours. And the numbers are increasing. 

Yet the current treatment for this particularly aggressive form is an under researched, 30 year old protocol which hasn’t significantly developed over that time.  New advances in genetics are confirming its ineffectiveness in fighting the most devastating types of Medulloblastoma, especially if it has already spread.

Just 1% of the national research funding for cancer has been allocated to childhood brain tumours!

There is hope however: recent research using fresh genetic understanding is moving at pace but needs support and funding. Without it, practical applications will remain frustratingly just out of reach. Little Hero aims to push for advancements in primary cancer care and maximise the effectiveness of genetically targeted treatments.

We are fundraising tirelessly to fund research. We have funded the following research programmes:

  • In 2019 we funded our first research programme - 1 year of the leading Medulloblastoma study in the UK - INSTINCT. Read the full report here..

  • In 2021 we funded new research targeting high-grade childhood brain tumours. This research will be undertaken by Newcastle University, supported by UCL Institute of Child Health and The Institute of Cancer Research. Find out more here.

Did you know 100% of our planned holiday let income will go to fund brain tumour research!

Please help us continue to fund this vital research

Research is the only way we will discover kinder, more effective treatments and, ultimately, stamp out brain tumours – for good! However, brain tumours are complex and research in to them takes a great deal of time and money.

Across the UK, over 500 families are facing the overwhelming diagnosis of a brain tumour every year, and it is only through the generosity of people like you can we continue to help them.

But, by setting up a regular gift – as little as £2 per month - you can ensure that families no longer face this destructive disease.