British girl with brain tumour searches for namesakes to raise awareness and funds

A 12-year-old British girl diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour has launched a global campaign to find as many people as possible named Kirsty, Kirsti, or Kirsi, Yle reports. The initiative aims to raise awareness and funding for childhood brain tumour research.

Kirsty Waugh was diagnosed with a benign but inoperable brain tumour in autumn 2024 at the age of 10. Though the tumour cannot be surgically removed, she is currently undergoing chemotherapy to control its growth. Despite her condition, Kirsty is determined to live as normal a life as possible, focusing on friends, family, dancing, badminton, and crochet—refusing to let her illness define her.

Her father, Mat Waugh, created an interactive world map where anyone named Kirsty, Kirstie, Kirsti, or Kirsi can pin their location. The original goal was to collect 100 names, but as of early May, over 10,000 people worldwide have added themselves—including dozens from Finland. One supporter, named Alan, even registered as “Kirsty” to show solidarity.

Finnish participants have shared messages of encouragement. “My daughter also had a brain tumour as a child. Wishing you strength, health, and a beautiful future!” wrote Kirsi from Kuopio. Another, Kirsti from Tampere, called the project “a fun and unexpected sense of community,” adding, “I hope your treatments keep Terry [the tumour] under control.”

Mat Waugh told Yle that Kirsty has been overwhelmed by the response. “She’s amazed by it all. She reads every message and checks every donation. There are so many wonderful Kirstys in the world!”

The campaign continues to grow, with donations directed toward research into childhood brain tumours.