Raising money in memory of Ruby

Buy photos » Fund-raiser Flora Garner (left) with Carolyn Bishop, lead nurse for Children’s Palliative Care. (s)

A TEENAGER from Leamington who lost her best friend to cancer has helped raised cash for a charity which had been close to her heart.

Flora Garner, a 16-year-old student at Trinity School, has organised several charity events since 2009 as a tribute to Ruby Johnson, who died that year aged just 13 after suffering from neuroblastoma, a rare cancer which affects around 100 children annually in the UK.

The recent coffee morning she organised raised £325 for the Diana Trust Fund, which provides money for nursing teams while they care for ill children in the final months of their lives.

The donations are used to support both the child and their family at such a difficult time, buying keepsakes or supplying things which will make them more comfortable.

Flora said: “Ruby and I grew up together and we were friends since primary school.

“I organise these events so that everybody who knew and loved Ruby can come together to remember her and celebrate her life. I am pleased that I can make a difference in her memory to the other children that the team look after. ”

Ruby's story has really touched our readers over the years, with many people donating funds to help her and her family secure a dream holiday to Florida in the final months of her life.

Carolyn Bishop, lead nurse for Children’s Palliative Care at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Ruby was truly inspirational with a beautiful personality, great character and showed immense bravery.

“I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to Flora for all of her hard work in organising these events in Ruby’s memory."

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