When a parent battles cancer, the entire family fights alongside them. But how do you explain something so frightening and complicated to a child? That question inspired two dedicated North East breast cancer nurses to create a powerful set of children’s books aimed at easing the fears and confusion faced by young families.
In Gateshead, specialist nurses and authors Emily Turnbull and Rachel Lockerbie have written three heartfelt stories for primary school-aged children. Each book gently walks young readers through the treatments their “mammy” might experience—surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy—explaining each step in language that kids can truly understand. Their goal isn’t just to inform but to comfort families at one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
And here’s what makes these books even more remarkable: they’re being given free of charge to patients receiving care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, which also supports communities across South Tyneside, Durham, and Sunderland. These aren’t just educational materials—they’re lifelines for families trying to keep hope alive.
Leanne, a mother of five who was diagnosed with breast cancer in July, shared how much the books have meant to her. “They explain everything in a simple, child-friendly way,” she said. “It’s really helped our family understand the journey we’re all taking together.” Her words echo the emotional weight many families feel when trying to make sense of a diagnosis.
Behind this compassionate project stands the Women’s Cancer Detection Society, a Gateshead-based charity that funded the initiative. Charity manager Kathryn Jobes pointed out a charming local touch: “You’ll notice we say ‘mammy’—that’s because it’s what families here in the North East call their mums.” It’s a detail that might seem small, but for many families, it makes the stories feel personal and familiar.
This marks the first time such books have been introduced within the breast cancer service—a groundbreaking step toward a more family-focused model of care. As Ms. Turnbull explained, “We wanted to make sure we looked after the whole family unit, not just the patient.” By publishing three separate stories, families can choose the one that best matches their own experience.
Explaining medical treatments like chemotherapy or surgery can be daunting, even for adults. That’s why Ms. Turnbull emphasized that clarity and compassion were their priorities: “We wanted to turn something so complex into something children can understand—without fear.” Her co-author, Ms. Lockerbie, shared the same passion, adding, “I hope we can help future patients by continuing to write more books.”
But here’s where it gets interesting: could more hospitals across the UK adopt this approach? Should explaining illness to children be seen as an essential part of treatment, just like counseling or support groups? Some might argue it’s long overdue.
What do you think—should every cancer ward offer similar materials to help families talk openly about what’s happening? Or do you believe those conversations should be left to parents alone? Share your thoughts in the comments below; this is a discussion that deserves to be heard.
