Jane Deana Dennison - CEO, Dragonfly Cancer Trust
Why was the charity formed?
Dragonfly Cancer Trust was founded to support young cancer patients, from birth to 25 years old, who are facing the most challenging and terminal stages of their illness. We provide cash gifts, bespoke memory-making services, and sibling support to families navigating the unimaginable. The charity was created to ensure that no young person or family facing terminal cancer is left without the resources and emotional support to create lasting memories together.
Which area do you cover?
We are a UK-based charity supporting young cancer patients and their families nationwide. We work closely with hospitals, hospices, and healthcare professionals across the country to reach those who need our support the most.
What type of fundraising events do you have?
Our fundraising activities are diverse, ranging from community events to large-scale campaigns. Some of our key initiatives include the annual Big Give campaign, various charity runs including the Great North Run, our annual Dragonfly Ball which takes place on October 12th at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle, corporate partnerships, and the support of donors through creative fundraising challenges. Each year, we encourage supporters to host their own events, whether they’re fun runs, bake sales, or virtual fundraising efforts.
Who are your trustees and patrons?
Our trustees and patrons include individuals who are deeply committed to supporting young cancer patients and their families. Our board consists of professionals from a variety of sectors who share a passion for the cause. We also have patrons who help raise awareness and amplify our message. Each trustee and patron plays a vital role in guiding the charity’s direction and ensuring we continue to make a meaningful impact.
What have been your proudest moments so far?
Our proudest moments have been when we’ve been able to bring comfort to families during the most difficult of times. Some highlights include launching our sibling box project, expanding our cash gift program, and seeing the overwhelming support during campaigns like the Big Give. One of our recent milestones was the social media success of Ian Lamberts’ world record attempt, which helped elevate our charity’s profile and increased engagement across platforms.
What are you currently working on?
We’re currently focused on expanding the reach of our sibling boxes, improving the awareness of our services, and building stronger corporate partnerships. We are also working to develop new designs for our sibling boxes, ensuring they provide meaningful, comforting support. Our team is engaging with communities and donors to sustain the growth and impact of our services across different regions of the UK.
What does the future hold?
The future holds exciting possibilities for Dragonfly Cancer Trust. We aim to break barriers to service awareness, ensuring every eligible young person and family knows about and can access our support. We are focused on sustainable growth, diversifying our income streams, and enhancing our services. Our efforts to elevate visibility, collaborate with more corporate partners, and engage volunteers will help us continue to meet the evolving needs of young people facing a lifelimiting cancer diagnoses.
How do you get involved?
There are many ways to get involved with Dragonfly Cancer Trust. You can participate in our fundraising events, volunteer your time, or become an ambassador or trustee for our cause. We welcome individual supporters, corporate sponsors, and community groups who share our mission of bringing comfort to young cancer patients and their families. Whether it’s making a donation, hosting a fundraising event, or simply sharing our message, every action makes a difference.
dragonflycancertrust.org