Kirsty Waugh, an 11-year-old schoolgirl from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, is on a mission to unite as many people named Kirsty as possible to raise money for research into paediatric brain tumours. She has already rallied over 10,000 Kirstys, Kirsties, Kersties, and other variations, who have plotted their locations on an interactive map spanning from Colombia to Malaysia, and even the Rothera research station in Antarctica.
A Personal Campaign
Kirsty, who turns 12 on Monday, is undergoing chemotherapy for a large brain tumour discovered in 2024. The tumour, though benign, cannot be removed due to its size and location, and poses significant risks if it grows. Her treatment has been challenging, but she finds solace in fundraising. "By telling my story and fundraising, it has made it easier to cope," she said.
Why Kirstys?
Kirsty and her father, Mat, a children's author, devised the unique campaign. "We thought: why don't we ask people called Kirsty because they're the best people, because it's the best name," Kirsty explained. The map welcomes not only exact matches but also variations like Kirsten, Kurstie, and even Alan, who declared himself a Kirsty in solidarity. Non-Kirstys are also encouraged to participate by plotting their locations and donating.
Mat developed the interactive map after the family exhausted their immediate circle of Kirstys. The response has been overwhelming, with donations exceeding £75,000. "When you scroll through the JustGiving page, it's kind of comical because the donations are all from Kirstys. It looks like a glitch in the matrix," he said.
Inspiration and Impact
Kirsty's diagnosis came after she lost much of her vision over several weeks in her final year of primary school. Her chemotherapy, now in its second round after an initial drug failed, leaves her feeling "sick and tired and out of breath." Despite this, she remains determined to help others. "Some children go through so much worse than I do," she noted.
The family feels privileged to advocate from a relatively stable position. "We feel like we're in a unique position to tell a story about a very serious diagnosis but with the energy to carry on with normal life," Mat added. "If we're not telling that story, it's left to people in much worse situations."
The Joy of Being a Kirsty
Kirsty has always loved her name for its uniqueness. "There are not as many of us as there were 50 years ago," she said. Through her campaign, she has discovered many inspiring Kirstys, including pilots, nurses, and surgeons. The project continues to grow, with no signs of stopping.
