Katie’s Story

Our daughter Katie is facing something no one should ever have to face, especially at just 27 years of age.

In May 2021, what started as a few worrying symptoms turned into a life-changing diagnosis: a high-grade brain tumour (Glioblastoma).

Instead of building her future with her partner Lewis, Katie was suddenly thrown into brain surgery, cancer treatment, and an uncertain road ahead.

If you know Katie, you’ll know she’s the kind of person who lights up a room, enjoys the simplest things in life, she is kind, funny, and always thinking of others before herself. That hasn’t changed, even now.

What Katie Has Already Been Through

In July 2021, Katie underwent a major awake brain surgery, where doctors were able to remove around 70% of the tumour.

She then went through:

Radiotherapy: [standard of care]

Chemotherapy: [Temozolomide (TMZ)]

Her tumour was tested for:

MGMT status: [unmethylated]

IDH status: [wildtype]

Then something remarkable happened.

For nearly four years, Katie’s scans remained stable.

Four years of being able to live, laugh, and make memories. Four years where we had hope.

Where We Are Now

In May 2025, the tumour returned.

Katie underwent further surgery in June 2025 followed by:

Additionaltreatment:Temozolomide (TMZ) and PCV chemotherapy.

Despite everything she has endured, recent scans in January 2026 show the tumour is continuing to grow. She has recently been treated with more radiotherapy and she is waiting for a follow up MRI scan on the 25th May.

Her medical team has told us that standard treatment options are now extremely limited.

Katie has also been assessed for clinical trials:

Eligibility: She is currently not eligible for any open clinical trials.

This is the point no family ever wants to reach.

Why We Are Asking for Help

The NHS has been incredible, and we are so grateful for everything they’ve done.

But right now, we are running out of options.

After extensive research and discussions with specialists, we have identified a potential immunotherapy treatment, which is not available in the UK that could give Katie another chance.

The Treatment Giving Us Hope

Katie has been in contact with the IOZK clinic in Cologne, Germany: under Stefaan Van Gool.

She has been accepted for a personalised multi model immunotherapy programme.

This treatment is tailored specifically to her tumour and immune system, and may include:

Personalised cancer vaccine (created from her own cells)

Immunotherapy (including Tecentriq)

Virus therapy and supportive treatments

Advanced testing to guide treatment

This is not available on the NHS.

It is not a guaranteed cure.

But it offers something we don’t currently have in the UK — a real possibility of slowing the tumour and giving Katie more time.

The Cost

The cost of treatment excluding travel £62400

This covers:

• Testing Katie’s tumour and immune system to design a treatment just for her.

• A personalised cancer vaccine made using her own immune cells.

• Virus therapy that targets cancer cells.

• Heat therapy to weaken tumour cells.

• An immunotherapy drug (Tecentriq) that helps the immune system work properly.

The treatment happens over several stages and includes careful monitoring and followups.

It does not include:

Travel

Accommodation

Ongoing care

It’s an overwhelming amount — but this is Katie’s chance, and we have to try.

How You Can Help

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it will bring us one step closer to this treatment.

If you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean just as much — it helps us reach people who can.

Every single contribution is a step towards giving Katie more time.

All funds will go directly towards Katie’s treatment and care. If plans change, funds will be used based on medical advice, and any remaining amount will be donated to a brain tumour charity.

From Our Family

Katie continues to amaze us every day.

Through everything, she still laughs, still cares about others, and still holds onto hope.

We are doing everything we can to give her more time — more memories, more life.

Thank you for reading her story, and for standing with her.

Your support means more than we can ever say.