The charity partnership, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has seen Domino’s support thousands of young people going through cancer by providing donations that help ensure that young people receive the best care and support throughout their cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
Since the partnership launched in 2015, Domino’s has also helped fund Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support Co-ordinators across the UK.
Youth support co-ordinators are specialist youth workers that work alongside the charity’s nurses to help young people deal with the emotional and practical impact of cancer. They play a vital role in breaking down the sense of isolation diagnosis at a young age can bring, and support mental health and wellbeing.
In addition, more than 20,000 pizzas have been donated to support monthly pizza parties in the charity’s 28 hospital units and wider peer support events, giving young people a slice of normality while in treatment and bringing them together with other people going through cancer to help feel less alone during this time.
As part of its ongoing partnership, Domino’s is again sponsoring the ‘ Ultimate Backstage Experience’ at Teenage Cancer Trust’s flagship event at the Royal Albert Hall this week. The week-long event featuring some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry including The Who, James Arthur, Erased Tapes, and Mickey Flanagan, raises much-needed funds for the charity, while giving young people with cancer the opportunity to meet their peers and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Domino’s sponsorship of the Ultimate Backstage Experience will enable up to 140 young people with cancer to make special memories backstage too. Every night, a group of young people who have experienced cancer treatment will get VIP treatment, which includes a music workshop and a private tour of the iconic venue before enjoying dinner backstage and watching the show from the best seats in the house.
Jude Solley (20) (he/him), from East Sussex said: “I’m really into my music. I play the guitar and sing. I’m looking to get into a band again now that I’m off treatment. When Nicola, the youth support co-ordinator, heard that young people from our area had been invited to see the Sex Pistols at Royal Albert Hall, she knew that I would jump at the chance as I’m a big fan.
"It’s my type of music and it inspires how I dress. I’m looking forward to having a tour of the hall too and staying in London. I’ve not stayed in a hotel since I was about four! It will be great to get a bit of independence back too after having three and a half years of treatment.”
Rachel Townsend, senior stores and charities communications manager said: “As Domino’s celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, it is an honour to have had Teenage Cancer Trust as a partner for a quarter of that time, which is a testament to the success of our ongoing relationship.
"We are so proud to have raised over eight million pounds to support the amazing work the charity does in supporting young people with cancer – this is all down to our amazing customers, franchise partners and colleagues – none of this could be possible without your generosity.
"We look forward to celebrating this milestone at the Ultimate Backstage Experience and seeing more memories made for young people like Jude.”