I have set up this GoFundMe for my best friend and her family who are going through the most difficult time of their lives. In June 2025, their beautiful baby girl Isla, at the age of 7 months was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour (ATRT) which is an extremely rare, aggressive and malignant brain tumour. Please read their story and help in any way you can.

Islas Story

Isla is facing something no child should ever have to endure. She has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive brain tumour and her and her families worlds have been turned upside down.

Because of the rarity of her cancer, Isla has received most of her treatment in Edinburgh. This has meant countless long trips for Isla and her parents, Steph and John, weeks spent away from family and friends, especially their little boy Ollie, and gruelling hospital stays- all whilst she fights with incredible courage and grace.

The treatment is intense and exhausting, both for Isla and her parents who have been by her side every step of the way. They've put their lives and work on hold to be with her through every appointment, procedure, treatment and sleepless night. The financial strain of travel, accommodation and lost income has added a heavy burden to an already heart breaking situation.

Isla has spent months back and forward to hospital, undergoing extensive brain surgery, stem cell harvests, platelet and blood transfusions and has already done 6 intense rounds of chemotherapy. However, the next stage of Islas treatment requires her to be in isolation for the next 3 months whilst she undergoes 3 rounds of high dose chemotherapy in the hope to save Islas life.

Through it all, Isla continues to amaze everyone around her. Despite everything she is facing and the true effects this treatment is having on her little body, she still finds ways to smile, the most infectious little grin and bring light to those around her. All whilst keeping her mummy and daddy on their toes!

She is a little warrior - brave, beautiful and stronger than words can express.

We are reaching out to our community- family , friends and kind hearted strangers- to ask for support. I have started this GoFundMe to help ease some of the financial pressures they are experiencing as a family- so they can focus on what matters- being together and helping Isla in the journey she has ahead of her without the added worry of income.

Your donation- no matter the size- is truly appreciated.

If you're not able to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping Isla in your thoughts and prayers. Every bit of love and support means the world.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us stand beside Isla as she bravely fights this battle.