Popular teenager who tragically died from cancer inspires amazing fundraising challenge
The Maisy 100 team raised £12,850 for the C9 ward at Addenbrooke's Hospital. Picture: Belinda James - Credit: Archant
Family and friends of a teenage girl who tragically died of cancer have raised thousands of pounds for the hospital ward which cared for her by completing a fundraising challenge in Italy.
Maisie Colquhoun, who died aged 17 in 2015, after battling cancer. Picture: Courtesy the Teenage Cancer Trust - Credit: Archant
Maisie Colquhoun, from Wymondham, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma when she was 15.
Maisie received treatment and fought the cancer for two years but died shortly after her 17th birthday in 2015.
Inspired by Maisie's bravery and caring nature, her family and friends formed a group called The Maisie 100 and began fundraising for C9 Teenage Cancer Trust ward at Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge.
Maisie stayed in the ward and her father, Iain, said the excellent standard of care they offered made a huge difference.
He said: 'From a family perspective there was a massive advantage being able to stay constantly by Maisie's side throughout her year-long treatment.
'For example, being able to sleep in her room and not missing out on any moments when Maisie needed someone and extra support. This also included her close friends, who could stay late into the evening, giving her some normality and social interaction.'
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The Maisie 100 team's first fundraising challenge was a 100-mile cycle around Lake Como in 2015.
This summer they upped the stakes, returning to Lombardy and climbing Mount Bregagno - which is 600m higher than Ben Nevis - in temperatures of 39C.
Not content with that, the team completed a 1,000 group swim across Lake Como the next day.
Their valiant efforts raised a grand total of £12,850, which will go directly to ward C9 at Addenbrooke's, where young adults with cancer across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire are treated every day.
Jenny Townsend, fundraising coordinator at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: 'It has been a privilege working with the Maisie 100 team. As well as raising a phenomenal amount of money for our Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Addenbrooke's, the group have really demonstrated what teamwork and friendship means, whilst creating some very special memories.
'Their success is a wonderful tribute to Maisie and we are incredibly grateful to each and every member of the team.'
