Restoring Immune Systems Rebuilding Lives
Born without a working immune system
Helping children born with life-threatening immune conditions rebuild their immune systems through stem cell transplantation.
When children are born with life-threatening immune conditions, their bodies are unable to fight infections that most people recover from. If diagnosed and treated in time, a stem cell transplant can give these children a chance to rebuild their immune system and live healthier lives.
The Bubble Foundation is a children’s stem cell transplant charity supporting children and families through this complex journey. Based at Newcastle’s Great North Children’s Hospital, we provide practical and emotional support for families receiving specialist transplant care, while funding research that improves treatments and outcomes for children across the UK and worldwide.
Stem cell transplantation usually involves intensive chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, replacing faulty or missing immune cells with healthy donor cells that can fight infection. The treatment journey can be long and challenging, but with the right care, support and research, more children can survive and recover.
Through family support, specialist resources and pioneering research into paediatric transplantation and immune restoration, The Bubble Foundation helps give children the best possible chance of rebuilding their immune systems.
Fighting for children like...
Diagnosed with HLH, passed away in June 2025 | See more
Diagnosed with HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis) at one month old | See more
XLP1 | See more
APDS2, Lexi died aged 14 in 2025 | See more
Imagine being isolated in a hospital room for months at a time, not being able to see friends or loved ones. Your support helps The Bubble Foundation research treatments and fund life saving equipment as well as toys and games for patients with life-threatening immune deficiencies.
See our patient storiesFundraisers
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Steptember 2026
Take 300,000 steps this September and help change children's lives We're now welcoming individuals, families, businesses and teams to join the Bubble Foundation's...
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The Big Bubble Summer Challenge
The Big Bubble Summer is a 60-day challenge to raise £6,000 by celebrating summer through fun, ready-made events. Host gatherings, make memories with friends and...
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Kev Grahamslaw
I’m taking part in the Newcastle-Gateshead 10k, Kingston Park Half-Marathon and Newcastle Quayside 10K all on behalf of our amazing Ellie who has shown more courage in...
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News
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XLA Research Revealed
Current treatments for XLA are not enough Ben Shillitoe - Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology: "I am pleased to share our latest research...
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Newcastle Gateshead Marathon 2026
We are proud to be the charity of the year partner for the Newcastle-Gateshead Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k 2026. The Bubble Foundation supports children with...
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Ward 3 share knowledge and blood at Madrid EBMT26
European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation At this year’s EBMT conference in Madrid, doctors, researchers and healthcare teams from around the world came...
Read more: Ward 3 share knowledge and blood at Madrid EBMT26 -
Lexis Letter
Lexi’s Letter was written by Lexi in December 2024 during a long stay on Ward 3. Lexi worked with Touch Design as creative director for the animation of her letter...
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Alex Kett
In 2025 my son Rory was on Ward 3 at the Great North Childrens Hospital for a stem cell transplant. The Bubble Foundation supports the Ward with lots of things to help...
Read more: Alex Kett
Latest Videos
Our vision
A world where children with life-threatening immune conditions have the chance, not just to survive, but to thrive.
Our mission
To rally support to fund life-saving treatments, equipment, resources, family-centred care, and comforts like toys and games, that make a big difference when our little superheroes and their families are isolated during their hospital stay.
Our purpose
We are here to give children who have life-threatening immune conditions, the best possible chance to make a full recovery; and to make life a little easier for families navigating the trauma of a poorly child.