Young Lives vs Cancer chosen as Ashtons’ Bury St Edmunds Charity of the Year

Ashtons Charitable Trust, the charitable trust set up by law firm Ashtons Legal in 2014, has recently chosen Young Lives vs Cancer to be the Bury St Edmunds office’s charity of the year.

The money will be raised throughout the year supported by corporate and charity fundraising events, via internal activities such as raffles and social events, as well as through the Ashtons Legal Wills Campaign where the firm donates £10 for every new Will created throughout the year. These charities and causes are supported by staff nominating and voting for their Charities of the Year who then go on to receive an annual donation.

Young Lives vs Cancer was founded in 2005 and provides day-to-day support, financial aid and places to stay for individuals under 25 that have been diagnosed with cancer, and their families, whilst undergoing treatment. They assist people in many ways – with information and guidance, clinical care if needed and can request financial aid for people struggling with bill payments by way of sorting out grants or funding hospital transport for those who would otherwise be unable to get there. The charity can also provide accommodation for families, near the hospitals where their relative is being treated and have a support system in place for bereaved families who are in pain emotionally.

Young Lives vs Cancer also undertakes research looking at the impacts of cancer on children and young people. The results are collated and used to raise awareness as well as influence government and policy makers and those that provide public services across the UK.

Chair of Ashtons’ CSR Committee, Natalie Westgate says: “It is always a pleasure to support such worthwhile causes in our local communities and I thank all our staff for their support and fundraising efforts.”

“Looking ahead, we really want to form meaningful and lasting relationships with our Charities of the Year, so we have decided to increase the term we support them to two years. I am therefore delighted to announce that in 2024 and 2025 we will be working with Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, FoodCycle Cambridge, St Elizabeth Hospice, Young Lives vs Cancer and YMCA Norfolk.”