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The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT)

Registered Charity Number 327493

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT)

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is the only UK Charity solely dedicated to helping families and individuals affected by Retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. They provide support, raise awareness and fund research into prevention and treatment.

What is Retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that affect young children, mainly under the age of 6. It develops in the cells of the retina, the light sensitive lining of the eye. Around 40-50 cases are diagnosed in the UK each year – approximately one child every week. Retinoblastoma can either affect one or both eyes.

About The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT)

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is a UK charity dedicated to helping people affected by retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. They:

  • Provide support and information to families and individuals.
  • Fund research into the prevention and treatment of retinoblastoma.
  • Raise awareness among health professionals and the public.
  • Influence policy to improve services for patients.

They have been helping families for more than 30 years but don’t receive any money from the government and solely rely on public support to fund their vital work.

CHECT is a small charity which plays a big role in the lives of people affected by Retinoblastoma. In the last three years:

  • 100% of families in the UK were offered support following a diagnosis of retinoblastoma and throughout their child’s treatment.
  • Provided over 2,000 hours of support to around 525 families each year.
  • More than £8,500 was given in grants for 40 families facing financial difficulty because of the expenses related to their child’s treatment.
  • In feedback 100% of people who responded said CHECT support helped them in their experience of dealing with eye cancer.
More Information

Learn more about CHECT

AJ’s Story

On the 25th November 2021, Our director (Alex) took his son (AJ) to the GP for what we thought was a minor issue—a cloudy eye—expecting a simple antibiotic prescription. However, the situation quickly escalated. We were immediately referred to the hospital for further tests, and the very next day, we were directed to Manchester Eye Hospital.

After several hours of examinations, we received a diagnosis that deeply impacted our family: AJ had Retinoblastoma. This is an extremely rare form of eye cancer, typically found in children under the age of five, and it manifested as a growth at the back of his eye.

The size of the tumour determines the treatment that the child requires.

AJ CHECT

Initially, AJ underwent a general anesthetic for an examination by a specialist Retinoblastoma team in Birmingham. Unfortunately, during this examination, it was discovered that the tumor was too large for treatment. Consequently, the medical team determined that enucleation of the right eye (removal) was the best course of action for him.

AJ had his right eye fully removed on the 9th December 2021, just one day after his first birthday. Regrettably, later that same December, the implant used to fill the socket space was rejected by AJ’s body, necessitating further procedures.

Following this, AJ had another operation on the 5th April 2022, where fat taken from elsewhere on his body was used to fill the space of the socket.

On the 30th January 2024, AJ had a further operation to remove a large cyst that had formed in the socket space.

We are delighted to share some incredibly joyful news regarding AJ. On the 23rd April 2025, AJ had the immense pleasure of ringing the bell at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, marking the successful completion of his cancer treatment! This is a monumental milestone for him and for all of us who have been on this journey with him.

It’s been a long and challenging road, but AJ’s strength and resilience have been truly inspiring. We are all so incredibly proud of him and deeply grateful for the wonderful care he received from the dedicated team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT).

CHECT provided invaluable support to our family throughout AJ’s diagnosis and treatment for Retinoblastoma. In gratitude for their assistance, we were able to raise £1,665 in honour of AJ’s first birthday, helping to support other families facing similar challenges.

Alex and Natasha are deeply committed to fundraising for CHECT through an annual charity night, which takes place every May. Since 2022, across four successful events, an incredible total of £27,900 has been raised.

Furthermore, as a proud Corporate Partner, AJF Commercial Business Sales actively contributes to CHECT’s vital work through monthly donations, reinforcing our commitment to their mission.

We believe strongly in the incredible work CHECT does daily to support families affected by Retinoblastoma, and we are dedicated to continuing our efforts to help them.

CHECT Corporate Partner

Award Winning Agent

Over 50 Years Experience

Family Run Business

What our clients say.

” Fantastic family firm. AJF strived to help me achieve a successful sale. They have supported me throughout the process offering excellent advice and guidance I would highly recommend them to all. ”

” I bought a business through AJF. Alex and Nigel were both great. They understood my point of view in any issue I had and they always found a middle ground. They played a great role for both seller and buyer to complete the business transaction. I would highly recommend them. A+ ”

” Just a few lines to let you know how I have found the outstanding service that you have provided and continued to do so. From the start the kind friendly voice on the phone to meeting a lovely highly knowledgeable lady called Andrea, to Alex being on the end of the phone and replying very promptly to an email. The service is outstanding as I have said before. Between them they have offered very useful advice and put suggestions to me of which I would have never thought of and made sense. I can honestly say I have never received such high-quality support from any other agent that I have used in the past, of which I have personally bought and sold a few in my life. I would not think twice about recommending this company to anyone. They are as mad a box of frogs, kind and considerate. They are trustworthy, inspiring, so knowledgeable, supporting and a breath of fresh air taking all the stress away. Love them. ”

” Very good family-run business who act quickly to try and sell your business. Would have no hesitation in recommending them. ”

” Andrea and Alex at AJF Commercial Business Sales have been very helpful and reassuring in the process of finding a buyer within a short time period. They offer a friendly service and their communication is excellent. I have already recommended them to a colleague in a neighbouring business and will not hesitate to recommend them further. ”

” Hi Alex, just a quick thank you to both you and your mum for looking after myself and Tony over the last few months, we are grateful for your impeccable service, can’t fault you in any way shape or form, it’s been a pleasure dealing with you. Thank you again. ”

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