health

Kirsty, 11, seeks more Kirstys to help raise money for brain tumour research

Kent schoolgirl tracks down 10,000 namesakes as part of campaign – but non-Kirstys are welcome to donate too

Kirsty, 11, seeks more Kirstys to help raise money for brain tumour research

TL;DR

  • Kirsty Waugh, an 11-year-old, is raising money for paediatric brain tumour research.
  • She has gathered over 10,000 people named Kirsty and its variants to join her campaign.
  • An interactive map shows the global reach of people named Kirsty, including locations like Colombia, Malaysia, and Antarctica.
  • The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for underfunded research into brain tumours.
  • Kirsty is undergoing chemotherapy for a benign but inoperable brain tumour discovered in 2024.
  • The fundraising effort has raised over £75,000, with donations coming from many people named Kirsty.
  • Non-Kirstys are also welcome to plot their locations in solidarity and donate.
  • Kirsty finds fundraising a welcome distraction and a way to cope with her treatment.