The Pools Foundation has officially launched with a £100,000 donation to Teenage Cancer Trust, marking the first in a series of charitable contributions planned through 2026. The Foundation was established by The Pools, the long-standing British betting brand, as part of its renewed philanthropic commitment.
The launch event took place in Liverpool city centre, where former England and Liverpool footballers and Pools Panel members Rachel Brown-Finnis and Ian Callaghan met representatives from Teenage Cancer Trust. The grant will help fund the charity’s emotional and practical support services for young people undergoing cancer treatment.
The initiative continues a tradition of charitable activity associated with The Pools since its founding by Sir John Moores in 1923. Over the past century, contributions linked to the brand have supported a range of causes, including football development and safety improvements through the Football Trust.
Teenage Cancer Trust supports around 2,200 newly diagnosed young people each year and funds specialist staff and dedicated units within NHS hospitals. To highlight the Foundation’s first grant, Media Agency Group and Open Media created a digital billboard campaign in Liverpool showcasing the charity’s work.
The Pools CEO James Arnold said: “The Pools has a long and rich tradition of philanthropy at its core, which is why we’re delighted to announce the launch of The Pools Foundation and our first charitable grant to Teenage Cancer Trust.
“As the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer, the work Teenage Cancer Trust carries out, both in Liverpool and up and down the country, is truly inspiring – but also essential.
“Our donation will help more young people get the cancer care and support that they deserve and we look forward to supporting Teenage Cancer Trust through 2026.”
Vikki Calcutt, Associate Director of Fundraising at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful to The Pools Foundation for this wonderful support. Thanks to them, we can continue to help young people receive the sensitive, individual care and support they need at this unique and critical life stage.”
England international Rachel Brown-Finnis said: “Teenage Cancer Trust and the work they do is vitally important so it’s brilliant to see The Pools Foundation launching today with this six-figure donation that will enable more young people suffering from cancer to receive the care that they need.”
