Yesterday was a momentous day for Milly’s Smiles as we had the honour of being invited to the Houses of Parliament by our MP, Sarah Smith, to meet with the Under Secretary of State for Public Health, Ashley Dalton. The purpose of the invitation was to discuss the vital work we do in supporting children newly diagnosed with cancer and admitted to hospital.
Walking through the historic halls of Parliament was an overwhelming yet humbling experience. The weight of its history and significance was truly profound, and it was an incredible privilege to be there.
During our meeting, we were warmly welcomed by the Minister and joined by two Civil Servants responsible for delivering key aspects of the NHS Long Term Plan. Being able to share the impact of our work in Milly’s memory was an immensely proud moment. When I founded Milly’s Smiles nine years ago, I could never have imagined sitting in Parliament, engaging directly with Ministers, MPs, and policymakers.
In addition to highlighting the difference our work makes to families facing childhood cancer, we also discussed our perspectives on the recently reinstated Children and Young People’s Cancer Taskforce, which aims to improve cancer treatment, early detection, and research for young patients.
Following the meeting, we were given a tour of Parliament and had the incredible opportunity to sit in the House of Commons and observe a live debate. It was truly a day to remember and a significant step forward in raising awareness of the needs of children and families affected by childhood cancer.
