Joel Corry talks about why he wanted to donate Lionheart proceeds to Teenage Cancer Trust

The three-time Brit nominated DJ and producer said: “It was actually when I was working on a song called Lionheart with my friend Tom Grennan that he introduced me to Teenage Cancer Trust. He’s an ambassador and he told me a bit about it and how he supports it, and I really wanted to get involved. 

“It’s so important the work the team does for young people, to make sure they have that support system in place. I was so lucky to have an amazing experience growing up, and when I’ve talked to people who have gone through what these young people gone through, I can’t believe they’ve done it and they’re so strong. So it’s so important the team at Teenage Cancer Trust can support them through that difficult time.” 

Lionheart is a Gold certified single released in 2022 urging people to push back in the face of adversity, which made it a great fit for the charity. 

Joel presented the cheque from the proceeds of the song directly to young people supported by Teenage Cancer Trust after spending an afternoon hearing their personal stories. The 34-year-old hitmaker also met Youth Support Co-ordinators from the charity, front-line members of staff who work alongside medical teams to help young people deal with the emotional and practical impact of cancer. 

Teenage Cancer Trust’s ‘Stop Cancer Destroying Teenage Lives’ fundraising appeal aims to ensure young people with cancer receive urgently needed specialist care and support, in the face of mounting pressures on the NHS and the spiralling cost of living crisis.   

The current healthcare crisis is impacting young people with cancer. Cancer waiting times across the board are at an all-time high and getting a diagnosis is taking longer.  

These delays - combined with external pressures such the cost-of-living crisis - can have devasting long-term impacts on young people’s physical and mental health, if they do not receive the right care and support from the moment they are diagnosed. 

2,600 young people a year are diagnosed with cancer, with this number set to rise. Cancer rates in young people in the UK have gone up by a quarter since the early 1990s. By 2030, it’s projected that the number of young people living with a cancer diagnosis will be 65% higher. 

Each young person who is diagnosed with cancer will need specialist age-appropriate nursing care and support to get them through it. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to meeting this vital need. 

With more young people being diagnosed with cancer, combined with current healthcare challenges, the ‘Stop Cancer Destroying Teenage Lives’ fundraising appeal comes at an important time. 

Paul McKenzie, Director of Engagement at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “I want to say a huge thankyou to Joel for his support. It is an increasingly difficult time for teenagers and young adults who are diagnosed with cancer in the UK today. 

“Young people with cancer are navigating a complex healthcare system while grappling with economic challenges. They need specialised care now, more than ever, to prevent a future crisis. 

“Support from Teenage Cancer Trust ensures that young people have someone in their corner who understands their individual needs, both medically and personally.” 

Money raised from the appeal will help to provide tailored care and support designed specifically for young people with cancer. 

To donate to the appeal, visit https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/donate-today