A young teenager who met Prince William and hugged Princess Kate last month has died.
Liz Hatton, 17, died of cancer in the early hours of this morning, her family have announced.
The talented photographer was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumours (DSRCT), a rare cancer affecting the soft tissues of the abdomen and pelvis, in January. She then made the decision to stop her chemotherapy to enjoy the time she had left outside of hospital.
She met Prince William and Princess Kate in October, which the teenager said was “so far beyond our wildest imagination”.
Her family wrote in a statement: “Our incredible daughter Liz died in the early hours of this morning. She remained determined to the last. Even yesterday she was still making plans.
“We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year. She was not only a phenomenal photographer, she was the best human, and the most wonderful daughter and big sister we could ever have asked for.
“No one could have fought harder for life than she did. There is a gaping Liz shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill.
“We have so much gratitude to every single one of you, whether you offered to help, or liked or shared posts – you ensured Liz’s last two months were her very best. She flew high until the end.”
Her family are now urging people to share one of Liz’s photos on their social media or “however you can” in her honour.
“Let’s let her go out with a bang,” they added. “#LizHatton (photos will follow in a thread but do also feel free to choose your own from @lizhatton_photography on Instagram).”
They are also raising funds for research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour.
They wrote: “If you can we would like you to help us with a mission to raise money to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour. With no charity in the UK or internationally funding into effective treatments are lacking.
“In 2024 a 15% 5 year survival rate is simply not enough. Together we can change that. Whether you can share, donate or raise funds – please be our village one more time. Let’s make this the last item on her bucket list and make sure other families don’t face a similar fate: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vicky-robayna “
