Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 hear the words “you have cancer”. Together with its customers, colleagues and franchise partners, Domino’s has announced it has raised over seven million pounds to support young people going through cancer for national charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.
The donations have helped to ensure that young people receive the best care and support throughout their cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
In 2023, Domino’s funded six Youth Support Coordinators across the UK,a non-medical role critical to wellbeing support from the moment young people are diagnosed and throughout their treatment. They also funded 16 winter regional peer support events giving over 360 young people with cancer a much-needed treat. As well as donating over 2,500 pizzas at monthly pizza parties for young people across Teenage Cancer Trust’s 28 units. These events give a slice of normality to young people in treatment, bringing them together through peer support activities.
Commenting on Domino’s funded peer support events, a young person said: “The best quote I could give would be to say that this weekend brought back the real me, the me before everything went wrong in my life, the life I never thought I’d ever get back, so thank you!
A second young person said: “Meeting other individuals who are going through a similar experience makes you feel less alone. It is a chance to have fun and forget about what we all have been through but also it is comforting to know we can all relate to each other.”
As part of its ongoing partnership, Domino’s is sponsoring Teenage Cancer Trust’s Ultimate Backstage Experience at the charity’s annual flagship event at the Royal Albert Hall which starts on starts, today, Monday 18th March. Each year, Teenage Cancer Trust hosts a series of concerts with some of the biggest names in music and comedy to raise money for young people battling cancer. An array of top performers will take to the stage including The Who, Noel Gallagher, The Chemical Brothers as well as comedians Kevin Bridges, Rob Beckett, and Sean Walsh, to name just a few.
Domino’s sponsorship of the Ultimate Backstage Experience will enable 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.
As well as soaking up the backstage vibes, the Ultimate Backstage Experience is a great chance for young people to meet others their age who understand what it is like to go through cancer. The experience helps build their confidence after treatment, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Alyssa, 20, who was supported by Teenage Cancer Trust, commented: “I am so excited and very grateful to be able to participate in this wonderful experience. It’s always lovely meeting people my age who have had a similar experience to me. Opportunities like this are always appreciated and I enjoy them a lot! I want to say a massive thank you to Domino’s for sponsoring this experience, I am so excited!
Rachel Townsend, senior stores & charities communications manager, commented: “It is an honour to be a long standing partner of Teenage Cancer Trust. We are proud to be able to support the incredible work that they do through funding six Youth Support Workers, but to also provide young people with the experience to try new things, make new friends and have fun. We’re delighted to be supporting the Ultimate Backstage Experience once again this year and look forward to seeing and hearing about the memories made for young people like Alyssa.”