Millie 💚

Our beautiful daughter Millie was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in March 2022 at just 17 years old, after suffering for more than two years with severe headaches and symptoms that, tragically, were not identified by the hospital.

From the moment of her diagnosis, Millie showed incredible courage. She endured multiple surgeries, bacterial meningitis, ventriculitis, hydrocephalus and the insertion of a shunt. After spending many months in hospital, she was finally able to begin treatment for her cancer. She bravely completed 30 challenging sessions of daily radiotherapy, followed by eight aggressive cycles of chemotherapy.

Despite feeling exhausted, unwell and weak, Millie never lost her wonderful spirit. She continued to smile, laugh and bring joy to everyone around her. Determined to live life to the fullest, she completed a Level 3 Diploma at college remotely during treatment and successfully undertook several other Open University recognised courses.

Millie touched the lives of so many people with her wit, grace, strength and kindness. In July 2023, she was overjoyed to share the news that she was cancer free, and in September 2023 she began intensive rehabilitation at Chailey. Sadly, just weeks later, she started experiencing problems with her vision and balance. An MRI scan revealed that the tumour had returned aggressively and that there was nothing more the medical team at UCLH could do. Just three short weeks later, in November 2023, our beautiful girl passed away.

The loss of Millie has left a hole in our hearts and our lives that can never be filled.

Throughout Millie's treatment, we were fortunate to be surrounded by incredible family and friends, dedicated children's community nurses and so many caring professionals. Alongside this support, we were embraced by the wonderful team at Chestnut Tree House.

Chestnut Tree House provided invaluable support throughout Millie's illness and in her final days. They continue to support us and Millie's brothers as we navigate life without her. Their care extends beyond the loss of a child, offering ongoing support to parents, siblings and families who become part of the Chestnut Tree House family. We honestly don't know what we would have done without them.

Sadly, it costs almost £9 million every year to run Chestnut Tree House, with only around 7% of this funding coming from the NHS and government grants. The remaining amount relies on the generosity of supporters, fundraising events, gifts in wills, charity shops and the hospice lottery.

In Millie's memory, we are committed to raising as much money as possible to support this incredible charity and help ensure that other children and families receive the same compassion, care and support that we were fortunate enough to receive. We have seen first-hand the difference Chestnut Tree House makes, and we want to help make sure that no family has to face their journey without the comfort, guidance and care they provide.