Date published: 03 February 2026 by Sophie Wichman

Speaking today about the funding announcement for travel costs for families with children with cancer ahead of Wednesday’s Cancer Plan, Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, said:

“Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity welcomes the Government’s announcement of £10 million to help families with the cost of travelling to cancer treatment. Any recognition of the financial pressure families face when they have a child with cancer is positive, and this funding will be crucial for families whose children need frequent and specialist cancer care.

“However, Rainbow Trust is keen to see the detail of exactly how and when this funding will be distributed when the Government’s Cancer Plan is published on Wednesday. This funding announcement raises important questions as to why this support is not being extended to all families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness due to diagnoses other than cancer. These families face many of the same challenges around repeated hospital appointments, long journeys to specialist centres, time off work and disruption to family life."

Rainbow Trust’s Family Support Workers regularly support families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness with transport so they can attend vital hospital appointments, and reduce stress at an already overwhelming time.

As we receive no central government funding, this support is funded through the generosity of donations. This begs the wider question of what happens when families’ needs are met by charities and not statutory funding.

“If all families are not to be left out of pocket, funding must reflect the full range of diagnoses and the real costs involved, including the essential role of voluntary sector organisations. We stand ready to work with Government to ensure this announcement translates into meaningful, sustainable support for all families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.”