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Dec
Exhibition in memory of teenage photographer Liz Hatton to be held in Harrogate this week
An exhibition showcasing the work of teenage photographer Liz Hatton, who died last month, will be held in Harrogate this week.
The 17-year-old, who was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour – a sarcoma so rare only 12 cases are recorded each year – died on November 27, just 10 months after her diagnosis.
Liz’s death was felt locally and nationally, but her talent as a photographer lives on.
The former Harrogate Grammar School pupil’s work will this week be exhibited at a Harrogate hotel – and visitors will likely recognise some of the photographed faces.
Before her death, Liz and her mother Victoria made it their mission to complete the teen’s photography bucket-list.
It turned out to be some list: Liz went on to photograph the Prince and Princess of Wales, a famous comedian, drag queens, models and many more. A collection of her photos will be on display at the Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa on Wednesday (December 11).
Victoria stressed the event will be a “happy party, not a sad one” and said it is a celebration of Liz, not a funeral.
Victoria previously told the Stray Ferret Liz’s condition was so rare and aggressive that little is known about it, so there is insufficient funding or recognition to find a treatment.
She set up a fundraiser after her daughter’s death to fund vital research into the cancer, which you can donate to here.
Victoria said on X, formerly Twitter, at the time of Liz's death:
We have two last favours to ask. Firstly, we would like to ask you to share one of her photos – on your social media, or in real life, however you can. Let’s let her go out with a bang. #LizHatton (photos will follow in a thread but do also feel free to choose your own from @lizhatton_photography on Instagram).
Secondly, if you can, we would like you to help us with a mission to raise money to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour. With no charity in the UK or internationally funding into effective treatments are lacking.
In 2024 a 15% 5-year survival rate is simply not enough. Together we can change that. Whether you can share, donate or raise funds – please be our village one more time. Let’s make this the last item on her bucket list and make sure other families don’t face a similar fate.
Credit: Elizabeth Hatton
Liz also loved Jellycats – a brand of soft toy – and her family has requested these be donated instead of flowers. The Jellycats will be given to the oncology ward at Leeds Children's Hospital where Liz was treated.
The event will be held from 2pm until 6pm, and Victoria said everyone is welcome. People will also be able to enjoy Liz's favourite snacks, including Discos and lemon drizzle cake.
The Stray Ferret recently published a gallery of some of Liz’s work, which you can view here, or you can find her photos on her Instagram page.
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