Georgia's story
“Our beautiful daughter Georgia was born in May 2004 - she should be celebrating her 18th birthday this month. But in October 2016, at the age of 12, our wonderful, happy child passed away after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma. We set up Georgia’s Fund to help fund research into neuroblastoma, and have raised more than £200,000 so far.” Georgia’s dad Richard shares her story.
Symptoms and diagnosis
“None of us had heard the word neuroblastoma until that frightful day.”
Georgia in 2015
“Georgia was a very healthy, happy child. She was sporty, had lots of friends and never had a day off sick from school. She loved athletics, cricket and photography - and was passionate about animals, particularly wolves! She loved her camera and took so many photos of animals. She was a wonderful, happy child.
“In late 2013, aged nine, Georgia started to complain of tummy aches. We had family members with coeliac and gluten intolerances, so we initially thought it was related to that. We took her to the family doctor but initial visits were inconclusive.
“The aches didn’t really get worse, but we were eventually referred to the Whittington Hospital for checks. On 4th February 2014 the hospital found a lump in her abdomen. We were sent straight to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
“None of us had heard the word neuroblastoma until that frightful day. She received the best possible care and support from the NHS team and we are still in touch with her consultant today. Georgia remained relatively well throughout, she was really only ever poorly after she had the treatment. We feared the worst, but it was easy to be positive because she looked so well. If anyone met her, they’d never know she had cancer.
Georgia’s treatment
“Georgia’s treatment, like that of every child with neuroblastoma, consisted of a series of clinical trials.”
Georgia in 2014
“But Georgia’s treatment, like that of every child with neuroblastoma, consisted of a series of clinical trials of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. She had molecular radiotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy and had completed her immunotherapy, but nothing was working.
“We were offered another round of chemotherapy towards the end but we declined. We didn't want to put her through any more pain. On 11th October 2016, Georgia died at home surrounded by our family including her older brother Charlie. It was the best place for her.
Georgia’s Fund
“I am so proud of what we’ve achieved so far - but there is so much more to do. ”
Georgia in 2016
“When Georgia died, I never had the vision that five years later, we’d still be raising money in her name to help fund neuroblastoma research. We simply didn’t want a church full of flowers at her funeral, so we asked people to make a donation instead.
“We set up Georgia’s Fund and have raised more than £200,000 for Neuroblastoma UK and Children with Cancer UK. We particularly wanted to support research like that of Professor John Anderson, who was Georgia’s consultant. Our aim is to advance research into new ways of treating neuroblastoma to help the Georgias of the future.
Helping children like Georgia in the future
“Georgia’s courage and stoicism throughout her illness and treatments were extraordinary and will inspire us, her parents and brother, for the rest of our lives. ”
Georgia and her dog Bertie in 2016
“Our friend Anthony Browne MP, who knew Georgia and whose daughter played cricket with her, spoke at the recent debate in the House of Commons about childhood cancer outcomes.
“We were so proud to hear Georgia’s name, and I am so proud of what we’ve achieved so far - but there is so much more to do. We will carry on raising money, supporting research and pushing the importance of childhood cancer research with the government.
“Georgia’s courage and stoicism throughout her illness and treatments were extraordinary and will inspire us, her parents and brother, for the rest of our lives. But that alone wasn’t enough and only hard work supported by funding will help the future Georgias to a happier outcome.”
How you can help
Neuroblastoma UK has funded nearly £9 million of neuroblastoma research over the last 40 years. Yet despite our very best efforts, research into neuroblastoma remains under-funded in the UK.
With your help, we can help scientists develop new, effective and kinder treatments for children with this rare and aggressive cancer.
Donate to our 40th anniversary appeal
We want to raise £40,000 to help fund future research that hopes to develop new, kinder treatment for children like Georgia.
Donate today to help fill our virtual lab* with essential research equipment.
Or text FORTY followed by your donation to 70085** (Text FORTY40, FORTY20, FORTY10 to donate £40, £20, £10)
* Your donations could help fund laboratory equipment in addition to researcher salaries, supplies or other costs associated with a research study. However your donation is unrestricted and may not always go directly to research.
**Texts charged at standard network rate plus your donation. We will not collect or share your personal data so you will not hear from us by phone or SMS. 16+ users only.