A Scots youngster who battled brutal cancer for more than half her life has sadly died aged six.
Flora Gentleman from East Lothian was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma aged two years old in 2021 – the rare disease is an aggressive cancer with a 50 per cent chance of long-term survival.
The six year old underwent years of treatment at the Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh and was enrolled in a vaccine trial in New York but sadly relasped in September 2023.
Her devastated parents found out Flora was no longer responding to treatment in November, 2024 and she started to receive pallitive care before passing away peacefully with her mum Stephanie Kent and dad Jamie Gentleman on December 16.
Sharing the heartbreaking news on the Flora’s Fight page, Stephanie said: “Our sweet girl gained her angel wings on Monday 16th December at 1.30pm, in the arms of myself and Jamie in the ward that has lovingly cared for her over the last few years.
“We found out at the beginning of November that Flora’s disease was no longer responding to treatment, and her care was moved to palliative. We have spent the past month absorbing every single ounce of her. We can’t even begin to imagine how we’ll pick up the pieces and rebuild our lives without the biggest missing piece. But one thing we both feel strongly about, is keeping Flora’s memory alive. Please don’t be afraid to say her name or to talk about her.”
She continued: “We’d love for you to share your favourite memories of her- even if it was a funny photo or video you’d seen on her social media page. Maybe there’s a word or something that reminds you of her. Whatever it may be, we take comfort in her name being spoken.
“Thank you for your continued love and support over the past three years. The money that is currently in Flora’s fundraising pot with Solving Kids Cancer will now be used to support other families with children battling Neuroblastoma. We are proud to say that in Flora’s name, it will be used to fund vital research in the hope that there will be a future where no child loses their life to this disease.”
You can find the Flora’s Fight page here and access support for topics mentioned in this story here.
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