P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit in the Carnival Corporation & plc group, said it has raised more than £50,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust since the beginning of 2016.

Carnival UK, chief executive officer, David Noyes said in a statement: “We set ourselves a target of £50,000 for the first year, so we are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to have exceeded this amount five months early.”

Noyes continued: “Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer aged between 13 and 24. As we take thousands of British families and children on holiday each year, this charity has huge relevance and we want to help as much as we can.”

Teenage Cancer Trust, lead account manager, Laura Martin said: “We are delighted that our partnership with P&O Cruises has already raised £50,000. These fantastic fundraising efforts from staff, crew and passengers could fund over 1,600 hours of specialist care so that young people don’t have to face cancer alone. “Thank you to all those who have supported Teenage Cancer Trust so far. Right now for every young person we reach there’s another we can’t and our partnership will help us take a big step towards changing this.”

P&O Cruises has a three year partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust to support young people with cancer across the UK. Crew and guests on-board its three large family ships, Azura, Britannia and Ventura have been hosting a Teenage Cancer Trust summer fête on selected cruises with family favourites on deck including ‘bash the rat’, ‘hook a duck’, raffles and crew cycling challenges.

Shore based staff at Carnival House in Southampton also joined in the fundraising spirit by holding a dress down day, throwing sponges at David Noyes, chief executive officer, Carnival UK, plus marathon and Ironman events as well as sky diving.

All funds raised go towards the Teenage Cancer Trust’s vital services, including the funding of specialist nurses and youth support coordinators as well as dedicated hospital units for young people with cancer.                                                    

There are now 28 specialist Teenage Cancer Trust units in NHS hospitals across the UK and the charity wants every young person with cancer to have access to this specialist support, no matter where they live.