Childhood Eye Cancer Trust launches new online resources for young people affected by retinoblastoma

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) has launched a new website aimed at teenagers and young adults who have had retinoblastoma (Rb).

The website includes real life stories, a makeup tutorial for those with prosthetic eyes, and guidance on major life events including learning to drive and transitioning to secondary school, college and university.

A video from model and influencer Olivia Deane (pictured), who has had Rb, gives advice on “learning to love yourself when you have a ‘difference.’”

The site also hosts an interview with rugby player Will Jubb, who was diagnosed with Rb at the age of two.

It was created with the help of the charity’s Teenage Focus Council, which is made up of members who have had Rb.

It was launched in Birmingham during CHECT’s latest in-person teen event, the first since the start of the pandemic.

CHECT CEO, Richard Ashton, said: “We are delighted to add the website to our existing support services, as it is important that teens and young people not only have a voice but a channel that is specifically for them.”

Ashton added that CHECT has recently also launched a TikTok channel, which he hopes will “raise further awareness of issues relating to living with sight loss and the signs and symptoms of Rb.”

The new website can be found at: www.chect-tya.co.uk