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Teens Unite – A Lifeline of Hope and Purpose in Broxbourne

Teens Unite – A Lifeline of Hope and Purpose in Broxbourne

From diagnosis to dignity—Teens Unite offers young people the chance to thrive beyond cancer, with Broxbourne at its heart.

Emeka Ogbonnaya
April 02, 2025

In partnership with

How a Broxbourne-born charity is transforming the lives of young people with cancer—and building a future rooted in hope, healing, and community.

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A Local Charity with a National Mission

In an era where charity work is often obscured by bureaucracy or diluted by distance, Teens Unite Fighting Cancer is a shining example of what happens when a mission stays rooted in compassion—and in community. Founded 18 years ago in Broxbourne, this extraordinary organisation has since grown into a national force, reaching teenagers and young adults across the UK who are living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis.

Despite its national reach, the charity’s heart beats strongest here in Broxbourne, where its story began. With the borough’s unwavering support, Teens Unite has become a beacon of hope, extending a hand to young people during one of the most difficult chapters of their lives.

Beyond Survival: Rebuilding Lives After Cancer

What sets Teens Unite apart is its focus beyond the diagnosis. In many cases, the battle doesn’t end when treatment does. Young people often emerge from medical care emotionally bruised, socially isolated, and physically altered. Many face disrupted schooling, strained friendships, and futures that feel uncertain.

Recognising this, Teens Unite steps in where the healthcare system steps back—offering holistic, ongoing support that helps young people rediscover who they are, regain their confidence, and reimagine their future. As Roxanne Lawrence, the charity’s Chief Executive, poignantly explains:

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“Our ambition is to ensure that young people have the opportunity to return back and thrive post-diagnosis.”

This isn’t just sentiment—it’s strategy. The charity delivers a structured support pathway that includes everything from emotional recovery to reintegration into education and employment.

Holistic Support, Delivered with Dignity

At the core of Teens Unite’s approach is accessibility. The organisation uses a self-referral system, giving young people agency in their recovery. Whether a teenager reaches out themselves, or a parent, teacher, or healthcare professional does so on their behalf, the process is simple and respectful.

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“Cancer takes away every other choice you have,” says Lawrence. “So you should have the choice to access the support you need.”

That support comes in many forms—monthly in-person meetups, digital sessions, creative workshops, well-being activities, and educational mentoring. This includes partnerships with major employers like Google and YouTube to help young people rebuild their confidence and explore future career paths.

What’s more, Teens Unite recognises that cancer doesn't just affect the individual. It casts long shadows over families and caregivers. Special sessions for siblings and parents acknowledge this reality and provide space for shared healing.

Funded by Community, Powered by Compassion

Teens Unite receives no government funding. Every activity, workshop, or residential stay is made possible by the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and community partners.

From gala dinners and colour runs to overseas charity challenges and a soon-to-reopen retail outlet in Broxbourne, the charity has built a vibrant and participatory culture of giving. It’s fundraising with heart—fun, engaging, and always deeply connected to the cause.

A landmark new initiative now stands on the horizon: a purpose-built residential facility on White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne. Designed as a retreat for teenagers who need space away from hospital settings and home responsibilities, it aims to provide short stays where young people can reconnect with peers, reflect, and heal in a safe, empowering environment.

This groundbreaking development is supported by Broxbourne Borough and Hertfordshire County Councils—two institutions that continue to champion the charity’s mission at every stage.

Stories that Inspire, Results that Matter

Behind the impact statistics are real people whose lives have been changed. Roxanne shared the story of Tyler, a once-promising footballer whose cancer diagnosis forced him to abandon the game he loved and left him socially and emotionally adrift. With the support of Teens Unite, Tyler found his confidence again, forged new friendships, and ultimately built a successful career and personal life.

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“He refers to us as the lifeline that gave him life again,” Roxanne shared.

This is not an isolated success. The charity proudly reports that 95% of the young people they work with go on to return to education or employment—proof that with the right support, recovery can extend far beyond remission.

A Future Built on Belief and Vision

As Teens Unite turns 18 this year—a milestone in itself—it does so with eyes firmly on the future. Its ten-year plan is ambitious: to support 30,000 young people across the UK. That future will be built on a three-part strategy: expanding its residential offerings, strengthening national hospital outreach, and investing further in its digital service delivery—making sure that no young person, regardless of health or geography, is left out.

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“Every young person deserves to be the best version of themselves,” says Roxanne. “And we’re here to help them believe in that possibility.”

At a time when generosity is harder to come by, and when the mental health of young people is more fragile than ever, Teens Unite Fighting Cancer is a vital resource—and a powerful reminder of what it means to show up, care deeply, and act boldly.

Broxbourne is not just home to this charity—it is part of its DNA. And as its impact grows, so too should our pride and support.

This isn’t just a local success story—it’s a national example of what’s possible when community meets compassion.

🎧 The full conversation with Roxanne Lawrence is now available on the Voices of Our Towns podcast—wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to get new episodes and local stories delivered straight to your notifications.

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