Supporting Teenage Cancer Trust: Working with Bradford University to Raise Awareness and Funds
At Graham Hart Process Technology, we believe engineering businesses have an important role to play beyond the factory floor. This spring, we’re proud to be working alongside the Chemical Engineering Society at the University of Bradford to raise funds and awareness for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the only UK charity dedicated to supporting young people aged 13–24 facing cancer.
Why This Cause Matters to Us
This partnership was inspired by the rare cancer diagnosis of the son of one of our long-standing employees in 2024. Like many families affected by cancer, the experience highlighted just how vital early awareness, specialist care, and ongoing support can be for young people and their loved ones.
Every day, seven young people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Symptoms can often be mistaken for typical teenage issues such as fatigue, aches, or growing pains, which can delay diagnosis. The Teenage Cancer Trust works to change this by providing specialist nurses, dedicated hospital wards, emotional support, and a strong sense of community for young patients during an incredibly challenging time.
Raising Awareness on Campus
To mark Teenage Cancer Awareness Month in April, Graham Hart Process Technology teamed up with the University of Bradford’s Chemical Engineering Society to host an on-campus information and awareness day. The event focused on educating students and the wider public about the warning signs of cancer in young people, as well as highlighting the vital work carried out by the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Several members of the Graham Hart team are proud alumni of the University of Bradford, including our Managing Director Chris Hart, who also serves as Chair of the Chemical Engineering Society.
Chris commented:
“The Teenage Cancer Trust is a fantastic organisation that has been invaluable in terms of the support they have given Wendy and Daniel, alongside thousands of other families facing really challenging circumstances. It’s vital that we raise awareness of the signs to look out for, alongside raising funds to support the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Taking on the Bradford Dragon Boat Race
Our fundraising efforts don’t stop there. In June, a joint 20-person team made up of Graham Hart employees and Chemical Engineering Society students will be taking part in the Bradford Dragon Boat Race, with a fundraising target of £1,000.
Ioan-Bogdan Apetri, President of the Chemical Engineering Society, said:
“When Graham Hart approached us about supporting the work they are doing for the Teenage Cancer Trust, it was a no-brainer for us. As students, we’re passionate about using our skills and energy to make a difference, especially for a cause that directly impacts people our age. Cancer can strike anyone, and for young people it has a huge impact on education, relationships, and future plans.”
Every donation raised will help fund specialist nurses, youth support teams, and hospital environments designed specifically for teenagers and young adults, services that make a real and lasting difference.
How You Can Support
We’re incredibly proud of everyone involved and grateful for the support we’ve already received. If you’d like to help us reach our fundraising goal, you can donate via our JustGiving page:
Together, we can help raise awareness, support young people facing cancer, and make a positive impact in our local community and beyond.
