Starling independent café bar in Harrogate is throwing its support behind a local charity created in memory of a much-loved teenage photographer whose story touched the community.

Starling has announced it will be supporting Capture, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour (DSRCT) and their loved ones. Through the partnership, the Harrogate business hopes to help boost vital funds for research and raise wider awareness for a cause that means a great deal to many people across the town.

Capture was founded by the family of Liz Hatton, a talented Harrogate photographer who sadly died in 2024 at the age of 17 after being diagnosed with the ultra-rare cancer.

It was established by her mother Vicky Robayna and brother Mateo to fund research into the disease and improve the care and support available to young people facing the diagnosis.

By partnering with Capture, Starling hopes to help raise awareness of the condition while contributing to vital fundraising efforts that support the charity’s work.

Simon Midgley, owner of Starling Café Bar & Restaurant, said:

“Capture is an incredible cause and one that means a lot to many people in our local community. Liz’s story touched so many hearts in Harrogate and beyond, and the work Vicky and Mateo are doing to turn that loss into something positive is truly inspiring. We’re really proud to be able to support the charity and play our small part in helping raise awareness and funds for such an important cause.”

50 pence from every benchmark pizza sold and all the proceeds from Dan’s Questionable Quiz, every Sunday at 7.30 will go straight to help Capture raise vital funds that will make a difference.

Over the coming months, Starling will also be launching a series of fundraising activities and initiatives designed to support Capture and engage the local community. Staff and customers will abe taking part in the charity’s upcoming “Sparkle for DSRCT” day on 14 May 2026, encouraging people to wear something sparkly and donate £1 to help raise awareness of the rare cancer while spreading the word about the charity’s work.

Vicky Robayna said:

“Funding research into DSRCT and improving care for young people diagnosed with it is at the heart of what we do. Support from businesses like Starling means so much to us and helps raise both vital funds and awareness for a cause that urgently needs it.”

For more information about Capture and its work supporting those affected by DSRCT, please visit: https://capturedsrctc.co.uk/

Please do check back so that we can share exactly what each penny spent will be going to fund.