Charlie’s story
Charlotte at home at Christmas time
Charlotte was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma when she was just 12 weeks old. The tumour was wrapped around her spine, crushing the nerves and causing permanent paralysis below the waist. But Charlotte’s determination to succeed has seen her go on to achieve incredible things.
Today, Charlie represents Team GB in basketball, has won medals in the 2018 World Championships and several European Championships and has a degree in Human Biology. This is her inspiring story.
cancer never stopped me from doing what I love
“I don’t remember much about my treatment because I was so young. I was one of four children at my school who had neuroblastoma - which, considering only 100 children are diagnosed every year, was a real cause of concern for the community. My mum joined with the three families to work with health officials who investigated whether there were any links in this cancer cluster. A link was ruled out but I do remember having photos taken for lots of local media!
I was eight when my life really changed
Charlie has represented Great Britain at every major basketball competition.
“The life-changing side-effect of the cancer has never stopped me from doing what I love. And I have always loved sports. I started competing in wheelchair tennis and racing when I was 7 years old. I went on to win four London wheelchair Mini Marathons. At the age of 11, I finished top in my category and was invited to speak in front of 400 dignitaries including the then London Mayor, Boris Johnson. I was also the top under-16 wheelchair tennis player in the country. I even had the honour of carrying the Olympic torch through my village in 2012.
“It was when I was eight when my life really changed. I was in my local supermarket with my mum when a coach from the Coventry Wheelchair Academy came over. He asked if I wanted to give wheelchair basketball a go, in addition to athletics and tennis. It was such an amazing opportunity. I’ve never looked back. Joining the Academy really helped with my confidence. I was really shy but I made some really good friends and achieved things I never thought I could do. I made my international debut for the Team GB women’s basketball team in 2013 for the European championships, when I was 14. I was the youngest player on the team!
i am so proud to represent my country
“Since then, I’ve competed in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, won two European bronze medals, a gold at the Under 25 World Championships, and more recently a silver medal at the senior World Championships and 2 at the European Championships, in 2018, 2019 and 2021 respectively.
“I have been so lucky to represent Great Britain at every major basketball competition, and to reach the semi finals for the 2016 summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro was definitely a career highlight! It was such an honour to be surrounded by so many amazing athletes. I even celebrated my 18th birthday when I was in Rio - perfect timing! I was so proud to represent my country for the second time in the Tokyo Games in 2021, and I’m definitely aiming for Paris in 2024 and build on our success.
My family and school played a huge part
“My family is a huge part of where I am today. They’ve been amazing.”
“My family is a huge part of where I am today. They always wanted me to get involved in sport and stay fit. My dad took me to all my games and competitions overseas and my mum organised everything for me at home, they’ve been amazing.
“I was really lucky with the secondary school that I went to - they really helped me. Little things like storing my sports wheelchair in the office so I could join in with sports lessons if I wanted to made a huge difference. It can be really difficult in schools but hopefully as more people understand about disability and sports, more children can be given the opportunities I had.
embrace the challenges
“You never know the journey life will take you on, so you just have to be positive, embrace the challenges, but don’t let those block your path.”
“Staying positive and embracing things are huge things for me.”
“Staying positive and embracing things are huge things for me. You never know the journey life will take you on, so you just have to be positive, embrace the challenges, but don’t let those block your path.
“Things do get difficult at times, but these times make you stronger. They don’t define you, but they do play a part in your journey and where you end up. But you can choose the path that you take and the journey you go on afterwards, and you have the freedom to choose your passions and where you go from there!”
Help fund future research
Around 100 families are told their child has this cruel cancer every year in the UK.
By donating today, you could help scientists understand more about why children with neuroblastoma relapse. You could help them discover new, kinder, more effective treatments that children deserve. And you can help Neuroblastoma UK to get one step closer to a cure.