Meet The Challenge Squad
Meet the four inspirational young people who took part in this year’s Challenge Squad
Angelos, 19 from London, was diagnosed with sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma – a rare form of cancer – back in 2021. As all of this was taking place during the pandemic, it was a devastating time for both Angelos and his family as hospital visits were greatly restricted. Against all odds, the treatments worked, and in 2022, scans showed he was clear of cancer. However, returning to everyday life after such a traumatic experience was a struggle. Through a recommendation, Angelos was introduced to Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, a charity supported by BBC Children in Need, who have helped Angelos to adapt to life following his diagnosis, and overcome the lasting impact of cancer. By attending the charity’s activities and residential stays, Angelos has bonded with other young people affected by cancer, learnt new skills and enjoyed new opportunities.
Brianna, 16 from Ipswich, was born with a rare genetic condition called Cat Eye Syndrome and underwent open heart surgery at just one week old. Following this very first surgery, the family were introduced to the Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation (ECHO) – a project now funded by BBC Children in Need. Mum Sinead recalls the comfort of the advice and support from parents who understood what they were going through, and the project has been a constant in their lives ever since. Through ECHO Brianna says she has received practical and emotional support for her complex health conditions, and says she has found somewhere she “truly belongs”.
Erin, 15 from East Renfrewshire, is a young carer for her mum, Sinead, who has a rare form of multiple sclerosis (MS). Sinead was diagnosed with MS back in 2016 and since then the condition has made staying mobile and completing basic household jobs increasingly hard. Neither Erin nor her family had considered her a young carer until they were introduced to East Renfrewshire Young Carers by Erin’s pastoral care teacher. The project has a grant from BBC Children in Need which helps them to provide a safe space for young carers to share concerns, get respite from their role at home and to make friends with shared experiences.
James, 14, from Hertfordshire, was just nine when his dad Paul died. Paul had a rare condition called Takayasu Arteritis and died following complications in heart surgery. For James, dealing with his father’s death was extremely difficult. He found it hard to accept what had happened and suffered from separation anxiety when he was away from his mum, Claire. James and Claire found Stand-by-me, a bereavement charity supported by BBC Children in Need. Stand-by-me helps young people to understand their grief, learn ways to manage emotions and build networks of support through their groupwork programme.
