MP Jim Fitzpatrick has promised to support plans to extend services for children and young people with cancer.

he MP for Poplar and Limehouse gave his pledge to CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity for children and young people, at a parliamentary reception last week.

The event at the House of Commons was hosted by the charity to try and ensure that care and support for young cancer patients remains on the political agenda. More than 20 others MPs and Peers were among 200 guests.

The charity gave a presentation of it plans to increase their services over the next five years.

Fitzpatrick also spoke to young cancer patients, who told him how they found out they had cancer and how it has affected their lives and families.

He said: “I have nothing but admiration for all of the young people I met at the reception, and the great work the charity does supporting families and young people like this every day,”

He said it was vital that MPs support the charity’s work.

The chairty’s chief executive, Lorraine Clifton said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the children and young people we support to speak directly to MPs and Peers about their experiences.”

Every day 10 children and young people are told they have cancer. Although survival rates are over 70 per cent cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children in the UK.