Rosie Larkin is the reason that the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (also known as Friends of Rosie) began. She was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was four years old. In 1991, just before her fifth birthday, Rosie died. Her family and friends set up the Children’s Cancer Research Fund during Rosie’s illness to help other children with cancer.
The team who looked after Rosie in hospital told her parents that getting funding for new children’s cancer research ideas was incredibly difficult. Rosie’s parents were determined to change that and so they started this unique fund.
Neuroblastoma often starts in the tummy, commonly in the adrenal glands or the nerve tissue at the back of the abdomen. And it’s devastating that the outlook for children with neuroblastoma has changed little since Rosie died, with only 67% of children surviving to five years.
Lisa, Rosie’s mum, says, “I would just like to see a situation where no more parents have to sit in front of a doctor and be told, “We can’t cure your child”. I think we can do better than that.”
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Rosie Larkin is the namesake of Friends of Rosie. She lost her battle with neuroblastoma in 1991 at the age of five years old. Rosie’s family and friends set up the charity during Rosie’s illness to help other children with cancer.
Here is Rosie’s story:
Neuroblastoma often starts in the tummy, commonly in the adrenal glands or the nerve tissue at the back of the abdomen.And it’s devastating that the outlook for children with neuroblastoma has changed little since then, with only 67 per cent of children surviving to five years.
Lisa, Rosie’s mum, says, “I would just like to see a situation where no more parents have to sit in front of a doctor and be told, “We can’t cure your child”. I think we can do better than that.”
© 2025 Children’s Cancer Research Fund | Charity No. 1046278 | Website by ATTAIN.
Nancy, 11, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma when she was just 2 years old. She was treated with Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) in Germany but unfortunately relapsed less than a year later. The family were then sent to Germany for a second round of PBT. Although treatment helped to cure Nancy’s cancer, she has been left with lots of lasting effects which will require ongoing treatment throughout her life. Here Nancy and her mum, Antonia, share their story in the hope it will help others, raise awareness, and raise more money for children’s cancer research.
Why I am a Trustee of CCRF
I have spent my professional career representing individuals and families affected by the devastating asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, which has no cure and for which there are only a limited number of palliative treatments available on the NHS.
I joined CCRF because I wanted to bring my understanding of the need to raise awareness of less well known cancers and passion for the need to secure improved funding for research to children facing a cancer diagnosis.
My role on the Board
I am responsible for oversight of our collaboration agreements with other charities to co-fund research into cures and treatments for childhood cancers. I also manage our challenge events and help with community fundraising.
My Background
I am a Senior Associate at Irwin Mitchell LLP and specialise in Asbestos Disease Litigation, acting on behalf of victims of asbestos related diseases and their families. Over the years, I have undertaken a number of fundraising challenges to raise money for cancer research, including a 1000 mile cycle ride from Glasgow to Southampton.
