An 11-year-old girl with brain cancer is appealing directly to people called ‘Kirsty’ or ‘Kirstie’ in the Channel Islands to help grow a unique global fundraising campaign.
Kirsty Waugh, from Royal Tunbridge Wells, is on a mission to find everyone in the world who shares her name – but has seen only a small response in the Channel Islands so far.
Just three ‘Kirstys’ or ‘Kirsties’ have been identified in Jersey, compared with five in Guernsey, despite estimates suggesting there could be around 175 across the islands.
Her family believes awareness in the Channel Islands remains low and is calling on islanders to help change that by signing up to the My Name is Kirsty campaign, which aims to raise awareness and money for research into brain tumours.
Kirsty has already tracked down more than 7,000 namesakes across all seven continents as part of the initiative.
After being told she had a brain tumour in November 2024, the young girl launched the project during cancer treatment as a way to stay positive and raise funds.
She is currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy and is expected to continue treatment for around 80 weeks.
After raising £120,000 for Children with Cancer UK during her first year of treatment, Kirsty has now turned her focus to raising awareness of paediatric brain tumours and funding research.
Kirsty explained: “Treatment is tough for all kids with brain tumours: I’ve lost a lot of hair, had blood transfusions, gone to hospital a lot – and that’s why research needs to be done to find kinder treatments.”
“Only 3p in every £100 of government funding into cancer research goes to help children like me.”
My Name is Kirsty is also supporting OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity and has already raised more than £64,000.
The initiative gained momentum after Kirsty met UK number one badminton player Kirsty Gilmour, who became the campaign’s first official “find” at the All England Badminton Championships.
Since then, the campaign has attracted support from a number of well-known names, including TV presenters Kirstie Allsopp and Kirsty Gallacher, and author Kirsty Applebaum.
Kirsty’s father Mat Waugh said the response had been overwhelming.
“Every time a Kirsty or a supporter is added to the map, and every donation made, gives Kirsty a lift,” he said.
“It’s such a difficult time for her and us as a family, but seeing people take time out to support her puts a big smile on her face when she needs it most.”
GET INVOLVED…
The campaign invites anyone named Kirsty or Kirstie – as well as “Friends of Kirsty” – to join via the website, where users can see the global map of participants.
Supporters are also encouraged to organise their own fundraising activities, from bake sales like ‘Cakes for Kirsty’ to sponsored runs such as ‘5k for Kirsty’.