Ella’s Legacy

The Ella Dawson Foundation is a tribute to the life and legacy of 24-year-old graduate Ella Dawson. In 2019, Ella was diagnosed with an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Over the next two years, she underwent relentless treatment, but the cancer repeatedly returned. Sadly, Ella passed away in 2021 at just 24 years old.

During her treatment, Ella found that psychological, emotional, physical, and wellbeing support specifically tailored to the unique needs of young adults in the UK was severely lacking. Despite a strong evidence base demonstrating the profound benefits of dedicated wellbeing support, access to such care remains severely limited or difficult to access in the UK. Ella used her experience to create a blueprint for wellbeing support to help others facing similar challenges—her vision became the Ella Dawson Foundation. 

‘I just want to put out there something I was missing, to prove that all is not lost when you are young person diagnosed with cancer’ – Ella Dawson, 2020 

The Need

Each day in the UK, 12 young people in their late teens and twenties hear the life-altering words, "You have cancer." Life is suddenly put on hold as fear, anxiety, and uncertainty take over. Life becomes dictated by hospital appointments, scans, treatments and their side effects; even when treatment stops the effects of cancer do not stop.

Along with the fears and challenges that occur when supporting someone with cancer, family dynamics can completely change, and family members must navigate a whole host of physical, emotional, practical, and financial challenges.

Our Impact

Since our launch in 2022, our programmes have provided life-changing one-to-one wellbeing support to over 900 young people and their families. 

We have established partnerships with over 50 NHS hospitals and funded the first Complementary Therapist for young people with cancer at The Christie Hospital.

In 2024, as more young people and clinicians recognised the impact of our support, referrals to our charity doubled, and this growth continues into 2025.

Help us Change more Young Lives

The Ella Dawson Foundation receives no government or statutory funding. Our ability to provide life-changing support relies entirely on the generosity of our incredible supporters, fundraisers, and partners. While we have made a significant impact, there is still so much more to do. Many more young people facing cancer need our help.

Our 2025 Colour Ball is our flagship fundraising event of the year. We look forward to welcoming guests for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, live music, great food, and fundraising. If you are unable to attend, you can still make a difference by participating in our auction and silent auction, helping us raise vital funds to support more young adults with cancer and their families.

Together, we can continue Ella’s legacy and ensure that every young person facing cancer has access to the support they deserve.