Andrew Green reflects on his powerful fundraising campaign and why giving back to Birmingham Children’s Hospital is a lifelong commitment.
In November 2025, Andrew Green completed a powerful fundraising campaign in support of Young Lives vs Cancer, turning personal experience into meaningful action. PEN Group sat down with Andrew to reflect on why he chose to dedicate his time and energy to this cause, what the journey meant to him, and why he believes giving back should be part of everyone’s life.
Interviewer: Andrew, can you tell us why you decided to take on this campaign in November?
"For the past few years, we’ve had to attend Birmingham Children’s Hospital in the centre of Birmingham and when you go in there it is a life changer. It’s not just, you know, becoming a routine, it becomes top priority."
Andrew explains that repeated visits to the hospital deeply changed his perspective on life. “When you go there, you see things that probably you don’t want to see. You see children suffering. And you see parents who are just… I wouldn’t say they’ve lost hope. They have hope, but they don’t know how to deal with what’s going on in their lives.”
Despite the difficult realities, Andrew speaks about the hospital with admiration and respect. “The hospital is an amazing place and they try to give as much love to everybody that comes in. Whether you’re nine months old or 90 years old, it doesn’t matter. They always want you to feel the same. Love and hope.”
For Andrew, this environment left a lasting impression. “It’s the most beautiful place on earth, the hospital, because it’s full of love and hope.”
Interviewer: How did this experience affect you personally?
"Even though I work five to seven days like many people, seven days mentally, it takes over your life because you have to be involved in whatever is going on.”"
He reflects on how caring for a child shifts priorities entirely. “When a child is born, you never think of it going through having problems. You think of it just growing up and being around love all the time.”
Andrew is clear that this campaign was not a one-off effort. “It’s affected me greatly and I will be involved in the Children’s Hospital and making people aware of young people versus cancer for the rest of my life. I want to contribute to it.
He also speaks openly about mental health and perspective. “Mental health issues is everywhere. Sometimes taking a step back and seeing the reality of other people’s lives is very, very, very important.
Interviewer: What message would you like to share with young people and others watching your journey?
"Life is important, but don’t take yourself so seriously. There’s always people who are less fortunate than oneself. Always try to focus on helping others rather than helping yourself. You’ll get more satisfaction and other people will benefit from it."
Andrew adds: “Take yourself out of the equation and focus on helping others, and I think life is a lot easier to control.”
Interviewer: If someone wants to support the cause or take part in similar campaigns, what should they do?
Andrew: “Go online, get in contact with them, they do events throughout the year. You can even get your own sponsored walk. This one’s organised, but you can do anything to raise. There are many local charities that need our support because whenever there’s a cut back, it’s always those ones that get hit the first.
Moving forward: Andrew completed his November campaign, but his message continues. His story is one of compassion, resilience, and perspective — a reminder that even small actions can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
