CHECT is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by retinoblastoma, a rare childhood eye cancer affecting those aged 6 and under. We do this by providing lifelong support, raising awareness to ensure early diagnosis and funding pioneering research into this rare disease.
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Families affected by retinoblastoma face far more than a childhood cancer diagnosis. They often travel long distances to one of only two specialist treatment centres in the UK (London & Birmingham), cope with the possibility of sight loss or eye removal, financial hardship, and the emotional impact on the whole family. As a rare cancer, retinoblastoma also receives limited research funding and awareness remains low, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes.
We fill the gap between clinical care and everyday life through our Support Workers, embedded within NHS retinoblastoma services, providing practical guidance, emotional and financial support for as long as we are needed. We also raise awareness among the general public and healthcare professionals to recognise the signs and symptoms of the disease, and fund pioneering research to develop kinder effective treatments, with fewer side effects, that preserve more vision.
