Clea Newman reflects on continuing the philanthropic work begun by her father, Paul Newman, through SeriousFun Children’s Network, which provides free camps and programmes for children with serious illnesses. The launch of the charity’s first UK camp marks a further expansion of a network designed to offer children enjoyment, support and a sense of normality alongside medical treatment.

Newman first volunteered at the original Connecticut camp in her early twenties and says the experience changed her perspective, particularly after meeting children with life-threatening blood illnesses who cared for her when she developed poison ivy. Since 1988, SeriousFun has grown to 30 camps and programmes across five continents, serving more than 2.5 million children with over 100 conditions, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, PTSD and anxiety. Each camp operates as an independent non-profit and is privately funded so that children and their families participate free of charge.