Beau's Campaign
Organised by Solving Kids’ Cancer UKBeau was a kind, considerate, resilient and sassy 6-year-old from Leeds. She always found ways to live her best life. She passed away when she was just 6 years old.
Story
At four years old in December 2020, Beau was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer that at the point of diagnosis has only a 40-50% chance of long-term survival.
Since her diagnosis in 2020, Beau endured 80 days of Rapid COJEC chemotherapy, extensive surgery, high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
When Beau’s family started fundraising with Solving Kids' Cancer UK, it was for Beau to access the bivalent vaccine clinical trial in New York after frontline treatment with the hope of keeping her cancer away. Within weeks of launching the campaign and thanks to an incredible community of support, the family hit their fundraising target of £317,000 – and then went on to raise over £600,000.
But sadly, in April, just days before Beau was due to complete frontline treatment, her family were told the devastating news that Beau had relapsed, and her cancer had returned in multiple places. This meant that hopes for Beau to access the vaccine trial were not possible, but her campaign remained open as treatment option for relapsed neuroblastoma are limited through the NHS.
Relapse and the MiNivAn trial
After Beau’s relapse was confirmed, the family started looking into different treatment options available to her that would give her the best chance of getting back into remission. Scans in July showed that despite further treatment, the tumour on Beau’s spine had grown, so she had further radiotherapy.
In September, Beau was eligible to enrol on the MiNivAn trial at the University of Southampton, a trial aiming to improve outcomes for children with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. The trial combines targeted radiotherapy (I-131 MIBG) with immunotherapy antibodies anti-GD2 (ch14.18/CHO) and anti-PD1 (Nivolumab). Accessing the trial meant that Beau and her mum had to uproot their lives to Southampton, leaving behind Beau’s big sister, Redd.
Sadly, whilst initial scans looked promising, scans in January 2023 showed new areas of disease, which meant Beau was no longer eligible for the trial. Beau continued to receive treatment back in Leeds but all treatment was stopped in May. Her mum said, "The joy we feel, the smiles, the laughter is worth everything. All genuine, not derived from bravery but just because she feels happy. I have waited for the euphoria of this day but never expected it to be partnered so closely with the underlying, heavy weight of sadness that comes with the limit of time, the knowing that things will only get worse and the knowledge that treatment stopping is not because everything is alright."
Beau and her family continued to enjoy life to the maximum, with precious family time spent in Cornwall and Disneyland Paris.
Beau passed away on the 4th June 2023.
Last night I traced your features one last time, in a desperate bid to take you all in. As you relaxed, after that last breath I felt your relief, I saw your peace. I told you everything would be alright and as you fly high with the Angels I hope you feel the elation you deserve. You have been one awesome little girl Beau Beau. You are without doubt going to be one kick ass Angel. Go have fun chasing rainbows and making pictures in the clouds. Be free. Be 6. We love you more than you could ever know. You will forever be my beautiful little Girl. Forever 6 - Beau Beau". Beau's mum.
Donations made in loving memory of children
Funds raised in loving memory of Beau will be used to support other children like Beau and their families through Solving Kids' Cancer UK's activities. Any funds raised through a previous fundraising campaign for access to treatment which were not spent on the child's treatment and pastoral needs are used to support other children and families through Solving Kids' Cancer UK's activities.