A young girl from Tunbridge Wells is using creativity and community to help advance research into childhood brain tumours.
When Kirsty Waugh began treatment for a brain tumour, she found a way to connect something she loved—crocheting—with fundraising for other children affected by cancer.
One triangle at a time
Kirsty began making crochet bunting triangles to mark chemotherapy sessions. Her Crochet for Cancer campaign went on to raise more than £120,000 for Children with Cancer UK, according to the official 2026 Pride of Britain profile.
Finding Kirstys around the world
She then launched My Name Is Kirsty, inviting people who share her first name to connect and support paediatric brain tumour research. The organizers report that the campaign has connected with more than 14,000 Kirstys across over 50 countries, with donations through the project raising more than £125,000 for OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity.
Those figures describe two reported fundraising initiatives and should not be combined without confirming any overlap in donations or campaign accounting.
Recognition without minimizing the challenges
Kirsty, now 12, received a 2026 Pride of Britain Child of Courage Award. Her family has spoken openly about the challenges of ongoing treatment, including changes to chemotherapy plans. The story should not suggest that fundraising or a positive outlook removes the seriousness of her illness.
Instead, what stands out is how Kirsty and those supporting her have transformed a deeply personal experience into a community effort that reaches far beyond their home.
Why her story matters
Medical research requires sustained support, and childhood brain tumours remain a serious concern for children and families. Kirsty’s campaigns have helped raise funds and awareness while giving people around the world a simple way to participate.
Her achievement reminds us that creativity can connect strangers, and that young people can play a meaningful role in supporting causes close to their hearts.
Source: Pride of Britain, official 2026 Child of Courage profile.
Featured image is illustrative and does not show Kirsty, her family or her crocheted work.
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