Fundraiser for East Lothian girl, 2, who was diagnosed with rare cancer raises more than £12,000 in one week

A fundraiser which was set up for an East Lothian two-year-old after she was diagnosed with a stage four rare cancer has amassed more than £12,000 in just one week.

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Flora Gentleman’s parents had originally begun documenting their daughter’s autism diagnosis to keep family and friends updated when the little girl’s health deteriorated.

Flora’s mum, Stephanie Kent, 29, said: “Within a couple of months of being diagnosed with autism, we noticed Flora’s health had started to go downhill.

Two-year-old Flora received a shock diagnosis of stage four neuroblastoma in April this year

“Flora is wild - she has so much energy and is full of beans normally, but we noticed she was quiet, really lethargic and irritable, she had an upset tummy. I just knew something wasn’t right.”

Flora’s parents took her to the GP three times only to be told she had a viral infection.

By the end of March the normally vibrant little girl had deteriorated further and was admitted to hospital, before her family were told the devastating news that she had a tumour in her stomach which was stage four, high-risk neuroblastoma.

Now, her family who are from Aberlady are using their platform to raise awareness of the condition which affects 100 children a year in the UK, and fundraise for potentially lifesaving treatment in the US.

On Wednesday, May 26, on the Flora’s Fight Against Neuroblastoma social media pages, her parents updated friends, family and followers with a post which said: “In just over a week we’ve raised an incredible £12,144!!!! WOW! We are blown away by your generosity and kindness.

“We owe a huge thank you to every single person who has donated so far, and everyone who continues to donate and fundraise for Flora.”

The couple have teamed up to launch an appeal with the Solving Kids’ Cancer charity, which allows them a platform to fundraise for research into childhood cancer, while also keeping some of the money in a fund towards experiential treatment for Flora and other children battling the disease.

The charity also provides support to families facing childhood cancer, and assist with arranging with the hospitals abroad to get the children out for the clinical trials safely and quickly.

Flora’s journey can be followed on the Flora’s Fight Facebook and Instagram, and those wishing to donate can do so on the Solving Kids’ Cancer appeal page.

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