Georgina Johnstone was just one year old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and her family have been raising money and awareness to help children like her ever since.

In August 2022, Georgina became tired and grouchy and started to be sick each morning. Her mum, Issy Rowe, a teacher from Harrogate, thought recently prescribed antibiotics for an ear infection were to blame. But when the tablets stopped and the sickness continued, the family became worried.

Issy took her to the GP, who thought it might have been a virus or urinary tract infection. After five more days of sickness, Issy knew things weren’t right. They were referred to Harrogate District Hospital after their third visit to a doctor.

At first, the hospital had no major concerns and suggested a return visit a week later. Yet Issy persisted and an MRI scan was done the following day.

The scan found a significant cancerous mass on Georgina’s brain, and she was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

The SATS showed that the tumour was a quarter of the size of her brain. The tumour was cutting her brain off from her body and her family were told they would need to operate to remove it or Georgina would die.

The next day, the doctors operated on her for five hours and removed the 16cm tumour. After surgery, a 56-week treatment plan was put in place, involving high-dose chemotherapy, in seven cycles over eight weeks.

It all meant that going to nursery had to be put on hold until she was better. In December 2023, Georgina was given the all-clear.

Issy said:

“Its early days still – she only came off medication eight weeks ago, but her last scan was all clear. It’s been amazing to adjust back to family life and reality. She’s full of energy, which is lovely. You don’t realise how poorly they are until you see them better.”

Throughout her daughter’s treatment, Issy raised funds and awareness for The Brain Tumour Charity and friends and family also supported the fundraising. They have raised over £21,000 so far through completing the Three Peaks Challenge, sponsored runs, quizzes and a wellness retreat.

This year, the family have chosen to raise funds for Candlelighters, children’s cancer charity. Issy said they wanted funds to go to a local charity this year to directly help the children on the oncology ward at Leeds General Infirmary.

They have set a target to reach £5,000 – the same goal as last year – but are hoping to exceed it and even beat the £21,000 already raised.

Issy added:

“We definitely want to get more people involved and raise more money.”

They have a few fundraising events planned already involving the Three Peaks Challenge on May 11, another wellness weekend in October and one of their first events is set to be a sporting morning. The event is to be held on January 14 by Harrogate Strays Walking Football Club, a team for over-50s where Georgina’s grandfather, Derek Rowe, is a manager.

To donate to Georgina’s page click here.

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Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Newtons Solicitors is to move to larger premises in Ripon.

The Harrogate-based firm has nine offices across Yorkshire and the North East; it employs 90 staff and has an annual fee income of £6m.  It’s current Ripon office is based on Kirkgate.

Managing director Chris Newton told the Stray Ferret:

“An opportunity arose to purchase our own premises in Ripon. The Ripon office is very good for business.

“We saw a good new location in Market Square and seized the opportunity. It’s the old Yorkshire Bank office and needs a lot of refurbishment work. That work is underway and we hope to be in by November in time for Christmas. “

Six staff work at the current Kirkgate Ripon office. Mr Newton said he hoped that number would expand with the new premises.

The interior of the building on Market Square

Read More:

New charity store in Harrogate

The charity has secured the site of the former Porters store on Oxford Street as part of its plans to open shops on every high street in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Cancer Research has been based in the spa town of Harrogate since 1978.

Funds raised at the shop will help fund research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

Juliet Glendinning, director of Yorkshire Cancer Research said:

“Harrogate has been home to Yorkshire Cancer Research for over four decades, and we have always felt very lucky to be an integral part of this beautiful town…

“With the opening of a new shop in the heart of the town, we look forward to becoming an even bigger part of the fabric of Harrogate.

“Our charity shops play a vital role in raising funds to support pioneering research, and the new store means we can offer volunteering and employment opportunities while contributing to the local high street.”

The new shop will be run by manager Kate Morris, who said:

“I am so excited about the opening of a Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Harrogate. It is so great working for Yorkshire Cancer Research, knowing that we are playing a part in raising money to fund vital research and really having an impact on the lives of people with cancer, right here in Yorkshire.”

While the shop is being prepared for opening, good quality clothes, homewares, toys, books, small electrical and furniture can be dropped off at the charity’s donation centre at i2D Hornbeam Park Oval, Harrogate, HG2 8RB. The donation centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

There’s been a final call for people to sign up for this year’s Race for Life on the Stray in Harrogate.

Thousands of people whose families or friends have been affected by cancer are due to take part in the event to raise money for Cancer Research UK on Sunday, July 10.

Women, men and children can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events. There is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy – a mud-splattered obstacle course . There’s also a Pretty Muddy Kids option too.

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Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for research into 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.     

Siobhan Byrne, Race for Life spokesperson for Yorkshire, said:

“Everyone can play their part to help beat cancer. 

“We’re making a final call to the people of Harrogate to sign up today. Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life. So, we’re asking people across the area: ‘Who will you Race for?’ 

“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10k distance and even pushing for a new personal best time.  

“But what is for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Race for Life Harrogate will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and an unforgettable event this year.”

   Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, said:

“This will be our 21st year in partnership with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life and we hope this year can be the biggest yet.”

To sign up to the Harrogate Race for Life event go to raceforlife.org.

The town of Pateley Bridge has turned itself pink this week as part of a fundraising initiative on behalf of young resident Arlo, who is undergoing treatment for leukaemia.

Arlo Marshall turned one today and is off to the zoo with family to celebrate. He was diagnosed with infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in February.

Since then he can only see friends and family outside, to protect him from picking up any illnesses. On Saturday the family were able to invite around 20 friends to Pateley Bridge’s party in the park to celebrate the jubilee and Arlo’s birthday.

The Marshall family turned out in force on Saturday.

Throughout his treatment, the family have been supported by Yorkshire charity Candlelighters, which supports families dealing with childhood leukaemia.

The family has now begun fundraising for the charity and has so far generated more than £1,000.

Pink It Up week is a Candlelighters initiative to raise awareness of children with cancer and the town of Pateley Bridge has wasted no time getting involved.

Shops have decorated their windows in pink, schools have organised non-uniform days, local group Knit and Natter has knitted bunting for the Methodist Church and Sunflower Nursery and bakeries and cafes have sold special buns and cakes.

Pateley Bridge shops turn pink

Arlo’s parents, Katie and Jowayne Marshall, said:

“Our world has been turned upside down, but Candlelighters have been there to support us every step of the way. They do so much to support families like us by funding support and social workers, providing closer accommodation whilst Also has been in hospital in Leeds, funding research, providing extra play teams, offering counselling and wellbeing sessions … the list goes on!

“As a family we would like to support this amazing Yorkshire charity by wearing pink and making everything as pink as possible. This way we can create a memento to look back at Arlo’s 1st birthday.”

Read more:

• Local Lotto marks £200,000 raised for good causes in Harrogate district
• Charity Corner: the Starbeck charity that puts mental health at the forefront

Each year, more than 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer.

Pink It Up runs in Pateley Bridge until Sunday. To donate to Arlo’s fundraiser, click here.

The team behind Harrogate estate agents Feather Smailes Scales has raised more than £5,000 for charity by taking on The Yorkshire Three Peaks.

In total, 13 staff took on the mammoth challenge, which covers 24 miles and 1,585 metres of ascent on Friday, April 8.

FSS Property chose to support Maggie’s Cancer Charity with the hike. Maggie’s has centres across the UK where people with cancer and their families can access support.

Daniel Brumfitt, a partner at FSS, said:

“Maggie’s Cancer Charity is an organisation close to the team’s hearts. So many of us have seen loved ones lose the dreadful battle of fighting cancer.

“Our Just Giving campaign hopes to give back something to a group that does such fantastic work. The least we could do was hike the beautiful Yorkshire Three Peaks!

“Reaching the top of Ingleborough is a fantastic feeling; the view over the moors is even more breathtaking than the hike itself.

“Everyone finished in good spirits without any injuries, aside from a few blisters and some sore legs!”

Three Peaks Challenge

The iconic hike is recognised as one of the UK’s best walks. It is often chosen for charity hikes for its difficulty level and stunning views of the North Yorkshire Moors.

It takes in the peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen y Ghent with stunning views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales skyline.

Everything went to plan on the day the team at FSS put on their walking boots.

They aimed for 12 hours and managed to complete it well under that, punching in a cool 10 hours and 30 minutes.

You can still donate by clicking or tapping here to help those impacted by cancer take back control of their lives.

FSS are one of the area’s only comprehensive estate agents and know the Harrogate district like the back of their hands. So the community where they are based is key.

Help FSS raise money for Maggies Cancer Charity by supporting their Just Giving page.

Harrogate estate agents take on Yorkshire Three Peaks for charity 

Harrogate estate agents, Feather Smailes Scales (FSS) are hoping to raise more money for Maggie’s Centres by climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

The team at FSS said they wanted to support a charity that helps those undergoing treatment.

Maggie’s Centres builds centres next to NHS hospitals to offer professional support for anything from treatment side effects to money worries.

The FSS team will take on the 24-mile hiking challenge tomorrow.

Partner and auctioneer Richard Smailes said:

“Last November, I was incredibly touched by the enthusiasm of those supporting the charity. Those who were affected by cancer planned to carry out incredible tasks to raise money for a cause that supports those suffering take back control when cancer turns their life upside down.”

To donate click here.

Networking event for SMEs at Harrogate Convention Centre this month

Harrogate Borough Council and SME Growth Managers have organised an event for Harrogate district businesses to share ideas and solve problems.

The event, on April 21, is aimed at local SMEs, small to middle-sized businesses.

‘Five tips to sales and marketing effectiveness in challenging times’ will hear from numerous business owners about the impact of marketing.

The event lasts 90 minutes and is free to attend. It will highlight funding opportunities and give business owners the chance to meet with similar, like-minded businesses.

The event begins at 9.30am at Co-Lab Harrogate, through entrance three at the convention centre.

Harrogate Convention Centre