This year’s Laptops and Lipstick annual charity is the brainchild of one of our members.  Charley Bennett from Shortfilms London is developing an Oncology App.  It is designed to help children and families of children diagnosed with cancer.

Charley explains: “I’m sure cancer has sadly affected everyone in some way.  For a parent to be told their child has cancer is something you never imagine will happen. What does that mean for them? What’s going to happen to them? What will the treatment be like?  And trying to explain that to an equally frightened young child is hugely difficult.”

One stop Oncology app

Charley has long worked in the creative world of TV.  She decided there needed to be an app to allow newly diagnosed families to have ONE place for all of their questions.  Questions about different types of cancer and treatments.  Videos and animations to explain a port, an x-ray and a bone marrow aspiration for example.  So that children can know what to expect.  There will also be a list of charities that can help families along their journey and answer general questions about cancer.

The app will enable parents to stay away from the frightening stories on the internet looking for answers and focus on their child’s needs in the hospital bed. It is supported by a number of leading cancer experts including CCLG (Children’s cancer and leukaemia group), Kings College Hospital, Kingfishers Charity and The Chartwell Cancer Trust.

Fabulous fundraising effort

This year’s annual quiz raised a massive £3035!  And we’d like to say a huge thank you to all those who came along, donated, shared posts, told friends, spread the word and donated raffle prizes!  Also to the fabulous Bridge House in Penge for hosting.