Nicol's story

Nicol had a joyful childhood filled with smiles, curiosity, and laughter. She especially loved playing in her toy kitchen, cooking alongside her mum and pretending to win MasterChef every time. But in December 2020, everything changed.

Her mum, Ivilina, noticed Nicol had stopped using her right hand. A week later, her head began to tilt and her smile looked uneven. Then she started limping. Concerned, they went to their GP, who sent them straight to A&E. That night, after a CT scan, they received the devastating news: Nicol had a brain tumour. She was taken into surgery just hours later.

"When Nicol woke up," Ivilina recalls, "she couldn’t talk or walk. I was terrified."

Over the next year, Nicol underwent more treatment, including multiple surgeries and changing chemotherapy every three months. But the tumours kept growing. Desperate for options, the family heard about a new targeted therapy being trialled in the US. They pushed to bring it to the UK. But while they waited the two months for approval, Nicol’s tumours continued to grow.

"I just remember thinking, give us some hope. Something to hold on to. We’re not ready to give up."

In August 2023, Nicol finally started the new treatment. Eight months later, all the tumours are stable, and one has even shrunk. It’s a huge relief for the family.

There’s still a long road ahead. Nicol was in hospital for her last birthday, her fourth one away from school and friends. But that day, the doctors let her come home for a few hours. There was a bouncy castle, cake, and laughter.

"I’ll never forget her happy face."

Today, Nicol is learning to make friends again. She’s still cheeky, still full of ideas, still winning imaginary cooking competitions with her mum.

You can help make that dream, and many others, possible

Your support funds vital research that brings targeted therapies and better futures to children like Nicol.

Donate today and be part of the breakthrough.

With thanks from Nicol, Ivilina and all at CCLG.