Calling all Edinburgh 'Kirsties' to join 11-year-old girl's unique brain tumour fundraiser
Stars such as Kirstie Allsopp, Kirsty Gallacher, and Davina McCall have backed the 11-year-old’s fundraiser
Those in Edinburgh with the name Kirsty or Kirstie are being encouraged to join in on a young girl’s unique cancer fundraiser.
Kirsty Waugh, 11, is on a mission to find every person who shares the same name with her, which she says is “the best name in the world “, in a bid to raise money for OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity.
And with hundreds of Kirsties estimated to be in the Capital, she’s hoping to turn the city into a powerhouse of support.
Kirsty, who is from Royal Tunbridge Wells, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2024 and is currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy treatment with another 80-week course on the horizon for her.
She said: “Treatment is tough for all kids with brain tumours. I’ve lost a lot of hair, had blood transfusions, gone to hospital a lot…and that’s why research needs to be done to find kinder treatments.
“Only 3p in every £100 of government funding into cancer research goes to help children like me.”
The fundraiser is calling on Edinburgh-based Kirsty’s or Kirstie’s - or any friends of a Kirsty - to add themselves to the campaign at mynameiskirsty.com and share their support for Kirsty’s fundraiser.
Supporters are being encouraged to donate or hold fundraising events including bake sales or running challenges.
So far, almost 8,000 Kirsties have been found with more than £66,000 raised.
Of those 8,000, just over 100 Edinburgh-based Kirsties with more than 500 believed to be found in the city.
Kirsty’s campaign began when she met UK number one badminton player Kirsty Gilmour at the All England Badminton Championships and has already earned the back from famous faces including Kirstie Allsopp, Kirsty Gallacher and children’s author Kirsty Applebaum.
Other stars to throw their weight behind Kirsty’s fundraiser include Davina McCall and Jamie Theakston.
Mat Waugh, Kirsty’s dad, said: “Every time a Kirsty or a supporter is added to the map, and every donation made, gives Kirsty a lift. It's such a difficult time for her and us as a family.
“It is amazing that she will be responsible for helping to fund research, but it is doubly-amazing that people are taking time out to think of her and put a big smile on her face when she needs it most.”