A tragic event unfolded as a young woman passed away shortly after her twin sister initiated a desperate fundraising effort to save her life. Caitlin Leggett, aged 24, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia last year. Recently, she received a devastating prognosis of potentially only six months to live. In response, her twin sister, Grace, organized a fundraiser to gather funds for potential life-saving treatment abroad, likely in the US. The campaign successfully raised over £120,000 in donations. Grace also left her job in Bristol as a complex care personal assistant to be closer to her family in Cardiff.
Just a fortnight after the fundraising efforts commenced, Caitlin experienced a sudden and severe brain hemorrhage followed by multiple strokes, leading to a rapid deterioration in her health. An update posted on the fundraising platform by her family conveyed the heartbreaking news of Caitlin’s declining condition.
In a previous statement this month, Caitlin expressed her determination to continue the fight for more time. She highlighted her aspirations for the future, emphasizing her desire to partake in everyday activities with her loved ones and witness shared milestones with her twin sister.
Caitlin’s battle with cancer began when she noticed a persistent rash that did not respond to various pharmacy treatments. Subsequent blood tests ordered by a GP in April 2025, initially for suspected viral infection, revealed a grave diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia by specialist cancer physicians.
Despite her initial plans to pursue a career in the military, Caitlin underwent extensive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant following her graduation from the University of Bristol. After achieving complete remission in December, her hopes were shattered in May 2026 when the cancer resurfaced, with no curative options available through NHS services.
Grace, who sacrificed her job to support her sister, launched the Save Caitlin initiative with a fundraising target of £500,000 to facilitate overseas treatment. On the fundraising page, Grace articulated Caitlin’s optimism for a better future and the critical need for financial support to access potential life-saving medical interventions.