By Kate Howarth, Cancer Relief Clinical Nurse Specialist - Holistic Therapies Lead.
As a Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Cancer Relief Centre, I am here to support you and your family in any way I can.
The people I help are varied. But sometimes I will get that call – “My child has cancer, how can you help us?”.
Childhood should be a time filled with curiosity, play, and growth – but for some families, it becomes a journey marked by hospital visits, treatments, and the words no parent ever expects to hear – “Your child has cancer”.
When a child in Gibraltar is diagnosed with cancer, they are often treated in the UK, as treatment plans can be complex. Treatment can include chemotherapy, surgery, and sometimes radiotherapy. Treatment can be tough and may have long-term effects. These words will seem like a different language to you. Part of my role is to help you understand that language.
A cancer diagnosis in a child is life-changing for the whole family. The child may face fear, pain, and long hospital stays, often missing school and time with friends. Parents can feel overwhelmed, anxious, and emotionally drained, while juggling work, care, and other children. Siblings may feel confused, left out, or scared. The family’s daily routine is disrupted; families are often separated while the child having treatment travels to the UK and siblings stay in Gibraltar. Financial pressures can increase due to travel or time off work.
My role is to listen, to help you with all these unknowns, to guide you in the many questions and fears you will all be facing. To help you understand the support services on offer to you all.
Cancer Relief Gibraltar can offer many holistic services to support your child and family at this challenging time. Art Therapy and Dramatherapy, can give children with cancer (and their siblings) a safe way to express feelings they might not have words for—like fear, anger, or sadness. Through drawing, painting, acting, or storytelling, they can process what’s happening to them in a way that feels fun and not scary. It can also reduce stress, build confidence, and help them feel more in control. These therapies offer emotional support during treatment and help children cope with the big changes cancer brings.
For young adults and adult family needs we offer Nurse Support, Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Complementary Therapy (massage, reiki, reflexology and yoga). Our therapists are all highly qualified and have undertaken extra education in caring for people with cancer and their families.
Financial Grants can also be offered to help with the unexpected burdens of time off work and unexpected travel.
We have a safe and welcoming children’s playground within the Cancer Relief Centre for kids to play during visits (exclusively for our service users); Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) headsets providing distraction techniques and a relaxing time out opportunities. In my Nurse Clinic, I will listen to your needs, and we will plan care tailored to you and your family’s needs.
When you are in the UK, I offer telephone support to maintain that link with home and ensure you have someone to support you even while you are away.
Our service is free to anyone affected by Cancer in Gibraltar. So please, contact me today if you need me. I am here for you and your family; all the way.
