Every bead
tells a story

We empower children to tell their stories of courage through colourful beads that represent their treatment journey.

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Our impact across the UK

Children being supported by Beads of Courage daily
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Children being supported by Beads of Courage daily

Hospital wards using our programmes
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Hospital wards using our programmes

Beads earned by children celebrating milestones
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Beads earned by children celebrating milestones

Supporting the health and wellbeing of seriously ill children in hospitals across the UK

Beads of Courage UK helps children coping with cancer and other illnesses RECORD, TELL and OWN their stories of courage through their programmes in these treatment areas:

Oncology

Cardiac

Chronic

Nicu

Burns

Siblings
Beads of Courage families

Families

The Beads of Courage UK programme is most effective when received at point of care in hospital. If your child has a serious chronic or life-threatening condition and would like to join the programme, talk to the care team at your hospital to see if they are enrolled with us. If they aren’t and you would like to help fundraise for them, please send an email to john@beadsofcourageuk.org and we will be happy to help.

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Beads of Courage, hospitals

Hospitals

Our ultimate goal is to be able to support every child and teenager facing a serious chronic or life-threatening condition throughout the UK. If you would like to enrol your hospital onto one of our Beads of Courage UK programmes, follow the link below or pop us an email for more information.

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Who we are

Beads of Courage UK is a non-profit organisation that is committed to enhancing the well-being of children and adolescents facing significant health challenges, as well as supporting their families and the healthcare professionals who provide care. The beads give children a positive, tangible means to communicate with their peers about their journey whilst also opening up lines of communication surrounding the lack of knowledge of childhood cancers as well as other illnesses.

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Beads of Courage, Who we are

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Member of the Month September 2025

Member of the Month September 2025

Our Member of the Month this month is Alyssa Ashcroft.

Alyssa was a typical, very active hockey playing 14 year old, until she became ill in June and was diagnosed with Glandular fever. After a short time off school she was able to go back to usual and enjoy time with her friends, however shortly after that she became ill again and little did her family know that life was about to dramatically change...


 

The Maria Watt Be The Change Award 2025 - Kimberley Hattersley - Barton

The Maria Watt Be The Change Award 2025 - Kimberley Hattersley - Barton

The Maria Watt Be The Change Award 2025 has been awarded to Kimberley Hattersley - Barton, who despite receiving five separate cancer diagnoses has continued to raise funds for various charities close to her heart, including Beads of Courage UK. Whilst doing so, Kimberley has continued to live each day with a huge smile on her face, whilst bringing joy to so many around her.
Member of the Month August 2025

Member of the Month August 2025

Our Member of the Month this month is Jacob Walker.

When he was just 21 months old, his family noticed small pin-prick bruises on his skin. They took him to the doctor, who wasn’t overly concerned at first. Jacob was full of energy, dancing around the examination room without a care in the world. Still, she suggested blood tests "just to be safe,” and with a smile said, "You’ll be home tonight, but it’ll be a long night, so take a packed lunch.”...


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