As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) marked the launch of The 3am Thoughts Club, a new support community created for parents and carers whose child has been diagnosed with cancer.
Run by the Trust’s Paediatric Oncology Nursing Team with support from Macmillan and The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity, the club offers a safe and welcoming space where families can connect, share experiences and support one another through the challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis. The group aims to reduce isolation and ensure parents and carers feel understood, connected and never alone.
The inaugural 3am Thoughts Club event was a family garden party held at Harlow Museum on 26 August attended by parents, carers and family members. The garden party was an opportunity for families to meet others who understand the childhood cancer journey, while enjoying time together in a relaxed and supportive environment away from the hospital. The Paediatric Oncology Nursing Team has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, with many highlighting the value of connecting with others facing similar experiences.
Speaking on behalf of the Trust’s Paediatric Oncology Nursing Team that created and set up the 3am Thoughts Club, Faye Rix said: “When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the impact extends far beyond the patient. Parents and carers often carry worries and emotions that can feel overwhelming and isolating.
“The 3am Thoughts Club was created with parents, for parents, to provide a supportive community where people can take a break, connect with others who truly understand and know they are not facing this journey alone. The positive feedback following our first garden party event confirms just how important this support is.
“On behalf of the team we would like to thank Macmillan, The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity and everyone who has contributed donations and support to help establish the group and make the first event such a success.”
Natalie Tarrant, Head of The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity said:“We are delighted to support the launch of the 3am Thoughts Club and the difference it will make to families affected by childhood cancer across our community. The success of the first event shows the real need for opportunities that bring parents and carers together, offering support, friendship and understanding. We are incredibly grateful to everyone, including our supporters, donors and partner organisations, whose generosity has helped make this important initiative possible.”
Kelly and James from Sawbridgeworth, whose child was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, attended the first 3am Thoughts Club garden party. They said: “What began as a day we approached with mixed emotions quickly became something truly special. In just a few hours, the 3am Thoughts Club gave our family far more than a wonderful event. It gave us a sense of connection.
“For the first time in two years, we connected with other parents who genuinely understood our journey, sharing stories, encouragement, hugs and hope…without needing to explain ourselves. We’re incredibly grateful to the team for creating such a warm, welcoming space and for helping us find a community we didn’t know we needed.”
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of childhood cancer and the lasting impact it can have on the whole family.
Visit Macmillan website for further information about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Visit the website for further information about The 3am Thoughts Club.
Future planned events include a coffee morning, pottery painting in October, Christmas wreath making and a get together at Top Golf.