“We never gave up”: Sophie Fairall’s legacy lives on as mother’s four-year fight leads to 10-year cancer plan
Four years of “fighting” for change has led to a major break through as Sophie’s Legacy celebrates the publication of a 10-year cancer plan.
Sophie’s Legacy was established at the start of 2022 following the tragic death of Sophie Fairall, who died at the age of ten after being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in 2020.
The inspirational youngster, from Stubbington, began experiencing symptoms, but despite multiple appointments with a GP, her mum, Charlotte, was assured her condition was nothing serious.
During a holiday with her grandparents, Sophie’s symptoms got worse and soon after returning home, she was diagnosed with the rare cancer that forms in soft tissue and hollow organs.
Days before she died, Sophie made her mum promise to make a difference to the system so other children and parents would receive more support.
Since Sophie’s death, on September, 18, 2021, Charlotte has been advocating for improved play facilities in hospitals, better access to food, more funding and more trained health specialists.
On February 4 - after more than four years of “tirelessly” campaigning alongside Dame Caroline Dinenage MP - the publication of the government’s 10-year cancer plan was announced.
Charlotte said: “When Sophie died, I promised her I would fight for change so that no other child or family would experience what she did.
“For four and a half years, Caroline and I have pushed through every meeting, every setback, and every moment where the door could easily have closed on us.
Today’s plan shows that our voices and the voices of families across the UK have finally been heard. Sophie’s legacy lives on in these commitments, and this is only the beginning.
“We never gave up and today (February 4) proves why that mattered.”
Charlotte and Caroline worked together for three years before the pair successfully confirmed the creation of the Childhood and Young People Cancer Taskforce in 2024.
The taskforce aimed to improve the detection, treatment and care for children with cancer but the vital work was paused following the 2024 general election.
After resuming in February of last year, Caroline and Professor Darren Hargrave were appointed as its co-chairs, alongside Dr Sharna Shanmugavadivel as vice-chair.
Caroline said: “It has been an enormous privilege to learn, work and battle alongside Charlotte over the last 4 years.”
As part of the new plan, which features recommendations from the taskforce, multiple issues will be addressed including a new travel fund of up to £10 million to support children, young people and their families with travel costs to and from cancer treatment.
The plan also outlines providing high-quality hospital food, improved hospital experience, increased awareness of cancer symptoms, consistent access to psychological care and emotional support, as well as a national commitment to research young people’s cancer as a priority for the next three years.
Charlotte added: “The 10‑Year Cancer Plan is an important step forward for children and young people with cancer.
“Through Sophie’s Legacy, we’ve pushed hard to make sure their needs are finally recognised. Sophie’s story and the work of so many families and clinicians has helped drive this plan, and we now need to ensure it delivers real change.”
Caroline added: “Our chapter of the National Cancer Plan is testament to her courage and her determination that Sophie's death should be a catalyst to meaningfully change the way we detect, treat, and care for other children and young people with cancer.”