03
Oct
Harrogate teen with rare cancer meets Prince and Princess of Wales
A Harrogate teen, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer this year, was invited to photograph a special royal occasion yesterday (October 2).
Liz Hatton, 16, has desmoplastic small round cell tumour — a sarcoma so rare only 12 cases are diagnosed per year in the UK. She now has just weeks to live, her mother told the Stray Ferret while travelling home from Windsor today.
The condition spurred Liz into fulfilling her dreams as a photographer, and she was yesterday invited to share her talent with Prince William and Catherine.
Liz, who was pictured embracing the future Queen, photographed recipients of an investiture at Windsor Castle.
Victoria Hatton, Liz’s mum, posted her daughter’s "bucket list” of photography opportunities on social media in May. London Air Ambulance saw the post, Victoria said, and passed it on to the royals. Prince William is a patron of the charity and the palace invited Liz to photograph yesterday's ceremony.
Victoria added:
Liz couldn’t make it in June as she was so poorly, but the palace rescheduled and invited her to photograph yesterday’s event.
She had no idea about the Prince and Princess of Wales being there – it was a total surprise! Prince William came through to say hello and then the Princess came in after.
They were so kind, so genuine and Kate was just so lovely. The whole team at Windsor Castle did everything in their power to make Liz – and all of us – feel so welcome. You can tell they love their jobs and the Prince and Princess – they were phenomenal.
Liz Hatton with Princess of Wales. Credit: Kensington Palace
She told the Stray Ferret the royals were genuinely interested in what they had to say. They asked Liz about her photography and her younger brother, Mateo, about his own interests.
Yesterday’s event was the first time the Princess of Wales was photographed back at work after undergoing chemotherapy for her own cancer diagnosis.
Victoria added:
Liz recognised Mark Cavendish. But one member of staff said to me, ‘what I love about these ceremonies is you can never tell who’s rich and famous, because everyone is treated equally’. He was absolutely right.
Victoria said the real icing on the cake for Liz was that the royals shared her photos on social media. You can see a selection of them below.
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'We want to make her time as special as possible'
The former Harrogate Grammar School student was diagnosed five weeks of complaining of abdominal pain and bloating. Hospital scans revealed tumours in both Elizabeth’s ovaries, in her liver and a larger mass in omentum and peritoneum.
A treatment for the condition has never been found and only 15% of those diagnosed survive beyond five years.
Victoria said her family’s world was “torn apart” at the time.
The Stray Ferret today asked Victoria for an update on her daughter’s condition. She said:
Medically, things are not good. Her cancer has become chemo-resistant. She has gone through 10 rounds of chemo, which made her so ill.
We did speak to Emily Slotkin – an American doctor – and we worked with our consultant in Leeds. It’s not that they didn’t try – they absolutely did – but it’s just the nature of the cancer. It’s so rare, so there isn’t the research, recognition or funding into it to find a treatment.
But that’s why opportunities like this are so important, so we can make the time she has as special as possible, and we can share those times with her. We’re not looking too far into the future.
Liz and her brother Mateo.
In February, Elizabeth’s seven-year-old brother decided to shave his hair in solidairity with his sister, who was undergoing chemotherapy at the time.
A fundraising page was set up to pay for Liz's treatment, as well as to buy photography equipment for her. The page has now amassed more than £47,000 – almost double its £25,000 target – and is still receiving donations.
Following the update on her condition, the Stray Ferret asked Victoria how the family intended to spend the money raised. She replied:
It was always the intention to put it towards treatment and photography equipment. But now we’re just focussed on making as many memories as possible with her.
For example, she’s going to Alton Towers with her friend this weekend. We would’ve really struggled to pay for experiences like that otherwise.
Liz is set to photograph London Air Ambulance's fleet of helicopters soon, Victoria said, adding her daughter is welcoming any other photography opportunities.
You can view Liz's work on her Instagram page.
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