What is CALM?

Set up in 1984 by a group of parents, CALM has always been run by parents, patients and their families on a purely voluntary basis, with support from medical and other professionals in the community.

CALM holds no offices and no salaries are taken — running costs are kept to an absolute minimum, so money goes to the families and children who need it most.

Our aims

Improve the quality of life for children on treatment.

Give support to families through and after treatment.

What else does CALM do?

  • Donates to research into better treatment and detection.
  • Provides play facilities at the Great Western Hospital oncology clinic.
  • Offers self-help and mutual support between families.
  • List ItemOrganises days out, pantomime trips and an annual Christmas party.

The CALM logo

The CALM logo was designed by a trustee in 1984 when CALM was originally set up.

The logo shows a tortoise wearing boxing gloves.

This is to represent the children on treatment who are fighting for life, taking it one day at a time during the often long treatment protocols.

Like the Tortoise and the Hare: “Slow and steady wins the race.”

The charity uses the logo on T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, lapel badges and also trolley tokens to help raise funds.