Young cancer mentor
352. Daniel Payne
Daniel Payne is a teenage cancer survivor from Nottingham who has dedicated hundreds of hours of his time to helping fellow young people living with cancer.
Daniel, a 16 year old A-level student from Sutton in Ashfield, was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. He was cured in four months but was inspired to help the patients he had been treated with who did not recover as quickly or who did not recover at all.
Daniel joined CLIC Sargent, a charity that supports young people with cancer, and went on to mentor five young people on his own initiative over 30 sessions. Sadly, two have since died although two have survived and one continues to be treated and mentored by Daniel.
Daniel volunteers as a book reviewer for CLIC Sargent, helping the charity improve reading material it produces for children with cancer and their families. He has reviewed five publications to date and has been selected by the charity as a ‘Young Ambassador’, representing the charity at events around the East Midlands.
Daniel has also been involved on the fundraising side of the charity. Last June, he skydived with his uncle and a family friend, collectively raising over £3000. He also raised an additional £250 by selling gold ribbons at his school, raising awareness of childhood cancer while doing so.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Daniel has bravely turned his own battle with cancer into an opportunity to give back to others facing similar challenges. Knowing how traumatic the experience of diagnosis and treatment can be, he dedicated his time to supporting young people living with cancer to stay strong. His continued efforts to fundraise for CLIC Sargent are further proof of what an inspirational young man he is, and he is thoroughly deserving of this Point of Light award.”
Daniel said: “I can’t believe that I have won, it is a complete shock but I would have never got to where I am today if it wasn’t for the amazing support of all my family and friends.”