Alyssa McCrea's family in Derrykeighan, County Antrim, managed regular 110-mile return trips to Belfast for her daughter Aria's leukaemia treatment. Aria received the diagnosis in summer 2022 at age three. Treatment lasted two-and-a-half years, with Alyssa travelling up to four times weekly.

The family received limited financial aid from children's cancer charities, family, and friends. Expenses rose due to unplanned overnight hospital stays from fevers and other issues. McCrea stated her family cut back to cover costs during this period.

England announced a fund in February to cover travel for children and young people up to age 24 undergoing cancer treatment. The scheme allocates £10 million yearly. Stormont's Department of Health stated budget constraints prevent a similar fund in Northern Ireland.

Current support through the Help with Health Costs scheme targets low-income individuals and dependants referred by a doctor or dentist. Young Lives vs Cancer estimates 135 children and young people receive cancer diagnoses annually in Northern Ireland. The charity calculated a local fund would cost the Department of Health £300,000 yearly.

Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood campaigned for the fund's extension to Northern Ireland. She sent a cross-party letter to the government requesting inclusion for local families. Eastwood urged Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to advocate strongly for equivalent support.