Listening and learning to ensure we fund the very best science

The Little Princess Trust was proud to be a partner of the Accelerate Annual Conference in Belgium.

The two-day event brings together world-renowned researchers, clinicians and those affected by paediatric cancers to ‘challenge the system’ and ‘drive action’ to find better treatments for childhood cancers.

Phil Brace, Chief Executive of The Little Princess Trust, was also in Brussels and, below, describes his thoughts on an unforgettable two days.

So, another childhood cancer conference attended, but this time it feels very different.

Accelerate is attended by world class researchers, legislators, pharmaceutical companies, funders, oncologists, general experts, patient/family advocates, and me! 

This time we were one of the funders and, as these meetings are critical to achieve major progress, it felt right to assist. 

The discussion and presentations over the two days always lead to agreed actions. Output is essential. 

I listen with great intent. Always educating myself and doing my best to fully understand. I meet and greet, network, and engage with purpose. I share my views to foster and promote change. 

As a key funder of paediatric childhood cancer research, it’s critical we at The Little Princess Trust understand the needs to make informed decisions in funding the best science that can lead to clinical trials and patient benefit. 

I listen to the utterly awesome and inspirational parents who have lost their children to this dreaded disease. Some parents didn’t lose their child but walked that journey of total fear and the unknown. 

Now they are helping to shape the industry, provide a different view and lobby for change so no other family must go through what they did. These people are amazing. They re-educate and devote their lives (it seems) to a brighter day. 

The challenges are immense but everybody in the conference hall is here for the same reason. The passion and purpose are palpable. 

I feel honoured to have shared this space. I wish we could do more and I wish I had that metaphorical magic wand. 

At The Little Princess Trust, we will always do our best and we will continue to provide our wigs to the absolute best of our ability for every child and young person who needs our service. 

We will ensure that we continue to fund the best science and provoke others to come on this journey.

We will improve infrastructure and, when we can, collaborate with whoever can assist. We will work with others to improve the clinical trial landscape. 

I will do my best - but I do know that we must change and we must do better. That’s not to say these people aren’t all brilliant, they are! But there has to be a better way.