The story behind Thrive Foundation

In 2020, Lucy Ellerker‑Jones’s life changed within hours. After taking her baby son, Opie, to the GP, doctors diagnosed him with leukaemia. Overnight, Lucy and her family were thrust into the world of paediatric cancer. Opie endured months of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant before relapsing. Eventually, he became eligible for CAR‑T therapy — the treatment that saved his life.

When Opie finally came home, the hospital stays began to fade, but the emotional impact of everything the family had been through began to surface. Lucy realised how much families like hers needed personalised support — not just medical care, but emotional healing and guidance.

Determined to make a difference, Lucy founded the Opie Jones Foundation in 2022, registering it as a UK charity with the Charity Commission. What began as a deeply personal mission to help families navigate life after childhood cancer has since evolved into Thrive Foundation, continuing the work inspired by one family’s journey through crisis, recovery, and hope.

Support available from Thrive Foundation

Thrive Foundation is a small local charity that offers free support for families in Cambridgeshire where a child or young person, up to the age of 21, has experienced childhood cancer or is currently going through treatment.

Mental health grants for family members

We provide financial support for mental health services, helping families access care that meets their needs. These grants are available nationwide for family members, including siblings, grandparents and others. Families can self-refer via the email address below.

• Therapy options: Grants can support counselling, psychotherapy, play therapy and other suitable therapeutic support.
• Choice of therapist: Families can choose an accredited therapist who best meets their needs.
• Payment: We pay the therapist directly, up to a specific amount per person.
• More information: Visit our website, email hello@thrivefoundation.org.uk, or message 07376 402175/07770 934150.

Monthly face-to-face support group

On the first Tuesday of each month, we provide a safe, compassionate, adults-only space for parents and carers to connect with others who understand what they are going through.

• Venue: Huntingdon area. Please check our Instagram or Facebook profiles for most up-to-date details.
• Time: 7pm to 9pm.
• Attendance: Parents and carers can confirm their place by messaging 07376 402175 at least 24 hours before the group.

Family event days

We are excited to share that we have been awarded a National Lottery Awards for All grant. We will soon be offering free family days out and events, giving families the opportunity to meet others who are going through similar experiences. We will share details in due course on our social media channels and website.

Awareness and education

We also raise awareness by educating the public and professionals about childhood cancer and highlighting the benefits of kinder, innovative cell and gene therapies.