A young woman has tragically died just weeks after her identical twin sister launched a desperate fundraising campaign in a bid to save her life.
Diagnosis and Fundraising
Caitlin Leggett, 24, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia last year and had recently been told she may have only six months to live. Her twin sister, Grace, launched a fundraiser in the hope of raising enough money for potentially life-saving treatment overseas - most likely in the US - collecting more than £120,000 in donations. She also quit her job as a complex care personal assistant in Bristol to return to Cardiff to be closer to her family.
Sudden Decline
But just two weeks later, Caitlin suffered a sudden and serious brain bleed, followed by several strokes, which caused a rapid deterioration in her condition. In an update shared on the fundraising page, her family said: "We regret to inform you that in the last few days, Caitlin experienced a sudden and serious brain bleed, followed by a series of strokes which led to a rapid decline in her health."
Caitlin's Determination
Earlier this month, Caitlin, from Cardiff, spoke of her determination to keep fighting for more time. She said: "At 24, I always assumed I had my whole life ahead of me. There are so many things I still want to do, places I want to see, and memories I want to make with the people I love. What I would miss most isn't one particular event, it's the chance to keep living an ordinary life with the people I love and growing older alongside my twin sister. Those are the things that matter most to me, and that's why I'm doing everything I can to find another treatment option. I don't want to miss out on the future we always thought we'd share together."
Cancer Discovery
Caitlin's cancer was discovered after she developed a rash that failed to clear despite trying several treatments from the pharmacy. A GP ordered blood tests in April 2025, initially suspecting a virus. However, the results prompted an urgent referral to cancer specialists, who diagnosed her with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Treatment Journey
The University of Bristol graduate had hoped to join the Army and train as an intelligence officer, but instead underwent months of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. In December, doctors told her she had achieved complete remission. However, in May 2026, she learned the cancer had returned and that no curative treatment was available through current NHS options.
Sister's Campaign
Grace, who quit her job to spend more time with her sister, then launched the Save Caitlin fundraiser with a target of £500,000 to help fund treatment abroad. Writing on the fundraising page, Grace said: "Caitlin is choosing to live in the hope of a bright future that she and every young person deserves. Time is so precious, and Caitlin's only chance of a cure is to raise funds to support overseas medical treatment."
