UPDATE - END OF APRIL 2026

Hey everyone. I'm writing this update to let you know that Viola has seen positive outcomes from her treatment in Istanbul - and incredibly, for the first time in a long time, has been able to be out of bed and spend meaningful time with her family.

The downward turn that saw Viola return home was due to the trauma of the treatment (radiotherapy, amongst others) - but incredibly, once back in Italy, Viola started sitting up, asking for food - and even wanting to spend a little time outside in her wheelchair.

Viola is still in palliative care, and the family have returned to Istanbul in the hope that the treatment continues to bring positive health outcomes.

Thank you - for everything you have done. It means the absolute world and the family just don't know how to thank you. You are all wonderful - I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE — April 2026

When we first shared this page, we were asking for help so that Pete could do the only thing that mattered: stop everything and be fully present with Viola, Barbara, and Dylan. So many of you showed up. Thank you.

We're back because things have changed, and we need your help again.

After exhausting every option available to them, the family travelled to Istanbul to a specialist clinic - a last attempt to find a treatment that could change the course of things. The treatment has had some effect, easing some of Viola's symptoms, and for that they are grateful. But it has not been the breakthrough everyone was praying for.

The decision has now been made to bring Viola home to Italy.

She will enter palliative care there, surrounded by her family and the people who love her. This is about giving her dignity, comfort, and love in her final chapter — and giving her parents the chance to hold her, to be with her, and to say goodbye in the way every family deserves.

Pete and Barbara have done everything possible to change the course of this — and now they are bringing her home. As is always the way in the most difficult of times, there are a lot of logistics, admin and costs to keep Viola medically safe at home and set up to receive care that keeps her as comfortable as possible. What you can do - what we can do - is ease the financial weight of these final weeks, so they can concentrate entirely on being with Viola.

Every donation, however small, takes something off their plate. If you're not in a position to give, we understand - your love and support still mean the world. Whilst the family do not want this shared broadly across social media, if there are closed communities that you think might be in a position to help, please send this page on. Every little bit we can do helps them.

If you know Pete or Barbara, you'll know they would do the same without hesitation. If you don't know them, thank you for being the kind of person who shows up for others in their darkest moments.

Original Post

Sometimes life hits all at once, and you don't get to choose when. That's where Pete and Barbara's family are right now.

Their daughter Viola is 17, and she is an incredible, strong young woman. She has been diagnosed with terminal cancer after 7 months of aggressive treatments. Barbara, Viola, and Dylan are based in Italy - Pete has been commuting to be with them, while keeping work going in the UK. That is no longer sustainable, nor is it where he should be putting his energy right now. He needs to be in Italy, fully present with them.

The wider family are already doing everything they possibly can so we - Pete's friends - are setting this page up because he would never ask for this himself. Every penny goes directly to Pete to cover the living expenses that allow him to be fully present with his family: accommodation, travel, and the basics that help with the changes in Viola's health and capabilities.

If you know Pete or Barbara, you'll know they would do the same without hesitation. If you don't know them, thank you for being the kind of person who shows up for strangers.

Donating through GoFundMe is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe and once you donate, the funds go straight to Pete. It's the most transparent way to donate and saves time and costs and lastly also makes sure the family don't have to deal with any tax backlash that direct transfers could create.