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In 1995, Maisie was diagnosed with leukaemia at just 14 months old. She underwent four years of treatment, which took its toll on her health in a big way – including infections that put her life in danger. Sadly, she also suffered nerve damage as a result of her treatment.
Despite everything, Maisie made a full recovery. Thanks to you, we’re able to fund vital research into developing kinder, better treatments for young people like Maisie.
Now 29, Maisie has qualified as a doctor – an incredible achievement after everything she’d been through.
I absolutely love my job. The medical profession has had a huge impact on my life. I remember seeing patients in hospitals whilst I was being treated, and being so intrigued by their stories and how I could help them.
– Maisie
Thanks to the generous donations we have received over the last 35 years, we have been able to fund life saving research which has helped children like Maisie. However, there is more work to do, which is why we still need your support.
Thanks to our incredible supporters – people like you – we can fund vital research projects that help to develop better treatments and improve survival rates. There are so many projects to celebrate from the last 35 years, but there’s one in particular we’d like to highlight.
In 2016 we funded an exciting new research project at the University of Edinburgh, led by Professor Steven Pollard. This investigated different types of childhood glioblastoma, a form of brain tumour. By 2021, the project had resulted in a fantastic breakthrough, which greatly enhanced our understanding of how aggressive brain tumours develop in children. It also helped us better understand why they occur in specific regions of the brain. And it found that the mutation of cancer cells in different areas of the brain influences how the tumour will develop, as well as how severe it will become.
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer. It’s rare in children, making up just 8% of childhood brain and spinal cord tumours in the UK. But the location of these tumours makes them incredibly difficult to treat. And, sadly, just a quarter of glioblastoma patients survive more than one year after diagnosis.
But there are reasons to be hopeful. This was a significant milestone in brain tumour research, as it has enabled doctors to create more effective treatment plans. The development of better, kinder treatments is at the heart of what we do. And innovative research studies like this are the vital first step in achieving this.
None of this pioneering research is possible without you. We’re so grateful for every donation we’ve received over the last 35 years. Your continued support will ensure that we can continue to fund these vital projects.
Maisie’s story
Maisie was 14 months when she was diagnosed with leukaemia. Her mum, Mimi, tells their story. And Maisie, now an adult, also tells us how well she is doing.
Read Maisie's storyWe fund research
We are developing our knowledge about why children develop cancer and we are gaining new insights into the genetic and environmental causes of cancer to see if prevention is possible.
Find out moreOther ways you can help
There are lots of fundraising opportunities and events you can get involved with. Take a look at all the options. We can even help you to organise your own fundraising event.
Find out moreWe're here to help so please don't hesitate in contacting us:
info@childrenwithcancer.org.uk | 0800 222 9000 |