A close-knit Welsh community, which famously rallied to support a young girl's fight against a rare cancer three years ago, has shown its strength once more by raising a phenomenal sum for the children's hospice charity that has stood by the family.
A Community's Unwavering Support
In 2021, Olivia Finch from Bryn in Neath Port Talbot was just two years old when she was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. Her parents, Kelly and Nick, faced the devastating news after weeks of their daughter suffering from vomiting and struggling to walk.
When the family learned of a potential clinical trial in America that could prevent the cancer's return, the village leapt into action to help fund it. Starting on 1 March 2022, a wave of cake sales, sponsored walks, and events saw donations flood in from across Wales and as far as South Africa and Australia. They raised an astonishing £150,000 in just one month towards the £250,000 target.
A Long and Arduous Medical Journey
Olivia's treatment path has been incredibly tough. After six cycles of chemotherapy failed, her health deteriorated significantly by October 2023. Doctors advised her parents to consider stopping treatment, but Kelly and Nick fought for access to immunochemotherapy via the Welsh NHS.
This treatment successfully eliminated three tumours, leaving only the primary site in her head. This allowed Olivia to undergo MIBG therapy, a targeted internal radiation treatment, in London in 2024. She spent four weeks isolated in a lead-lined room.
The family later travelled to Italy for pioneering CAR T-cell therapy, but tests showed her cancer cells lacked the necessary protein for it to work. Kelly has no regrets, stating they tried every possible avenue. Olivia now receives palliative care from Ty Hafan children's hospice, which the family describes as a place of fun and warmth, not fear.
Pupils Lead a Fundraising Mission
Inspired by the support the Finch family received, Cwmafan Primary School decided to take action. Deputy head Alex Graham asked how they could help, and the school's pupils themselves drove the initiative to raise money for Ty Hafan.
On Monday, 17 November, nearly 400 pupils took part in a sponsored walk through their local area. Olivia, wearing a bright green tutu, joined in with her friends. The fundraising far exceeded expectations.
Olivia and her sister Megan alone raised £2,675, with one friend collecting over £600 from a relative's workplace. In total, the school gathered an incredible £10,413.20. This sum will be doubled to £20,826.40 thanks to Ty Hafan's Champions Appeal match-funding.
Kelly expressed profound gratitude, saying the community's support made her proud to call it home. Alex Graham praised the children's dedication, noting they were "blown away" by the hospice's work and truly wanted to make a difference.
As the Finch family continues to navigate life with Olivia's cancer, they are surrounded by the unwavering strength of their community, her school, and the dedicated hospice, ensuring their journey is met with compassion and moments of joy.
