Harrogate's Starling bar 'proud' to back charity created in memory of teenager 'who touched a nation's heart'

Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen has announced it will be supporting Capture, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour (DSRCT) and their loved ones.

Capture was founded by the family of Liz Hatton, a talented Harrogate photographer and pupil at Harrogate Grammar School who sadly died in 2024 at the age of 17 after being diagnosed with the ultra-rare cancer.

Following her cancer diagnosis, Liz made a photography 'wish list' she wanted to complete before she died which is how she found herself in Windsor Castle where she got a big hug from another keen photographer, the Princess of Wales.

The charity was established by her mother Vicky Robayna and brother Mateo to fund research into the disease and improve the care and support available to young people facing the diagnosis.

By partnering with Capture, Starling hopes to help raise awareness of the condition while contributing to vital fundraising efforts that support the charity’s work.

Simon Midgley, owner of Starling bar on Oxford Street, said: “Capture is an incredible cause and one that means a lot to many people in our local community.

"Liz’s story touched so many hearts in Harrogate and beyond, and the work Vicky and Mateo are doing to turn that loss into something positive is truly inspiring.

"We’re really proud to be able to support the charity and play our small part in helping raise awareness and funds for such an important cause.”

To celebrate the new charity partnership, Starling bar will be taking part in Capture’s Sparkle event this Thursday when staff will be adding some bling to their outfits to raise awareness and funds.

"In addition, Starling’s Sunday quiz is now raising money for Capture and 50p from every Benchmark pizza sold goes to the charity.

Over the coming months, Starling will be launching a series of fundraising activities and initiatives designed to support Capture and engage the local community.

Staff and customers will also be taking part in the charity’s upcoming “Sparkle for DSRCT” day on 14 May 2026, encouraging people to wear something sparkly and donate £1 to help raise awareness of the rare cancer while spreading the word about the charity’s work.

Vicky Robayna said: “Funding research into DSRCT and improving care for young people diagnosed with it is at the heart of what we do.

"Support from businesses like Starling means so much to us and helps raise both vital funds and awareness for a cause that urgently needs it.”

For more information about Capture and its work supporting those affected by DSRCT, visit: https://capturedsrctc.co.uk/