Boost for ground-breaking charity inspired by late Harrogate schoolgirl
The family of late Harrogate teenage photographer Liz Hatton whose courage in her final months inspired the nation has held a successful charity event focused on her work.
Held last weekend over two days at Fewston Parochial Hall in the Washburn Valley near Harrogate, Food and Photos showcased stunning pictures taken by Liz who passed from an ultra-rare form of cancer at the age of 17 in November 2024.
Liz, who was a student at Harrogate Grammar School, dedicated the last months of her life to pursuing a photography bucket list as she bravely fought with the condition of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour.
Such was her talent – and courage – the schoolgirl made national headlines after she was invited to photograph an investiture by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The images were published on the royal couple's Instagram page and Liz was also pictured being hugged by Kate at Windsor Castle
A rare and aggressive sarcoma that affects just 12 people in the UK annually, there is so little research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour that, in the weeks after her passing, her mum Vicky Robayna launched a new charity called Capture to raise awareness, fund research and supports parents.
"More research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour is desperately needed,” said Ms Robayna.
"It's a really rare cancer, and because it's so rare there's very little research for it or funding given over to it.
"We are the only charity in the world that we're aware of that not only funds research but also supports parents.”
Last weekend’s Food and Photos event at Fewston Parochial Hall offered food and drinks alongside a chance to see some of Liz Hatton’s brilliant photos.
Her much-loved younger brother Mateo was also in attendance at the successful fundraiser.
The Capture charity’s original aim was to hit a target of £100,000 to pull together what information exists around the world into one useable document for patients and oncologists.
But the amazing support of the public means they have already surpassed that figure.
To donate to the Cocoon charity, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vicky-robayna