Sophie's fund

Earlier this summer, our friend and colleague Chris Welburn's youngest daughter Sophie, aged four, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). This awful and cruel thing starts in the brain stem, which controls breathing, heart rate, and the nerves and muscles that help us see, walk, talk, and eat.

 

Heartbreakingly, the average life expectancy with this kind of tumour is measured in months. Sophie is relatively unaware of her illness and completely unaware of its prognosis. This courageous little girl has now completed six weeks of intensive radiotherapy, five days a week, and under general anaesthetic each time. In the next couple of weeks, Sophie will have new MRI scans, which will help Chris and the family better understand her life expectancy.

 

Chris has been overwhelmed by the support shown by Railpen, his colleagues and clients. We know many of you wanted to do something more to show your support and help the family. So, with Chris' permission, we have set up this funding page for the family to use as they best see fit. We ask that you please don't share this page on social media.

 

Thank you so much for your support.