Always remembering
Vanessa’s infectious and warm personality captivated the hearts of many far and wide. ‘Wee V’ as she was affectionately known to her family, took everything in her stride and always with a smile. She was a gutsy and happy young woman.
Vanessa was first diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in 2009. After undergoing frontline treatment, she managed to beat the disease and get into remission.
However, she relapsed in December 2011 and was given a less than 10% chance of survival. As there was no relapse protocol for her available in the UK, her parents - Chris and Connie - immediately launched a fundraising appeal with Solving Kids’ Cancer UK (then the Neuroblastoma Alliance UK) to raise the funds needed for Vanessa to access treatment abroad.
Following further tests and consultations after the relapse, Vanessa was found to be a good candidate for a treatment in Germany, a Haploidentical Stem Cell transplant, which she started in August 2012.
By January 2013, the family were told that Vanessa’s cancer was in remission. She was able to go back to school and start living a normal life again.
But in 2014, the neuroblastoma returned. The family decided that their best hope was to receive further treatment back in Germany, so enrolled Vanessa onto an immunotherapy trial with NK (Natural Killer cells).
Devastatingly, while on a family holiday in the summer of 2015, Vanessa became symptomatic and new areas of disease were discovered.
Vanessa was treated at her primary treating centre in Scotland with radiotherapy and by the Autumn of 2016, a slot was available for her to join the CAR T Cell trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Vanessa passed away on 1st June 2018, surrounded by her dear family.
"It’s with immense sadness that I write this post. This morning, our beautiful daughter Vanessa passed away peacefully at home with Connie, Olivia and I. Vanessa has been such a huge inspiration to many and will continue to live on in our hearts forever."
Vanessa’s family
Donations made in loving memory of children
Funds raised in loving memory of Vanessa will be used to support other children like Vanessa and their families through Solving Kids' Cancer UK's activities. Any funds raised through a previous fundraising campaign for access to treatment which were not spent on the child's treatment and pastoral needs are used to support other children and families through Solving Kids' Cancer UK's activities.
Donated on: 30th December 2022
With thanks to Gill, Berry, and Squadron Prints for their support
Donated on: 22nd December 2022
Thanks for a great flight, catch up and all in aid of a great cause.
Donated on: 28th November 2022
Thank you for taking me flying Derek - Fly High Wee V xx
Donated on: 21st November 2022
Flying high with WEEV
Donated on: 24th October 2022
In memory of Vanessa and Muriel flying high and watching over us. Thank you Derek for taking Matthew up in Wee v and putting the biggest smile on his face.
Donated on: 16th October 2022
Donated on: 24th September 2022
After an amazing day out courtesy of Derek in the amazing Wee Vans, it's my pleasure to make a donation in support of such a fantastic cause and dedicate it to the memory of an even more amazing 'Wee V'! We all live in hope that someday we can eliminate the absolute horror that is Child Cancer.
Donated on: 18th September 2022
Donated on: 14th September 2022
Fly high Wee V ??
Donated on: 14th September 2022
For beautiful Vanessa and for my brave nephew Alex ??????
Donated on: 3rd September 2022
Thank you for taking me flying, Derek! Hope this little flight helps a big cause! ??
Donated on: 3rd September 2022
Thanks to WEEV and Derek Pake for an amazing day. Such a worthwhile donation'
Donated on: 29th August 2022
A wonderful cause in memory of this brave young lady. And thank you Derek for giving Luke a flight to remember in Wee V.
Donated on: 29th August 2022
Many thanks to Derek for a fab Wee Vans trip for Barrie! Very much appreciated.
Donated on: 6th June 2022
A donation to your amazing cause as a thank you from Guy & KT to Derek Pake for a flight over our home and Glencoe on 'Spirit of Wee V' WeeVans RV. It was such a wonderful experience.
Donated on: 2nd June 2022
Donated on: 1st June 2022
A wee contribution after once again having flown in The Spirit of Wee V.
Donated on: 23rd May 2022
Donated on: 18th May 2022
Donated on: 17th May 2022
Donated on: 4th May 2022
For Vanessa Riddle from wee vans
Donated on: 30th April 2022
Donated on: 9th April 2022
Many thanks to Derek for a fabulous WeeV experience as we flew around the west coast of Scotland. What a fabulous job he is doing in bringing so many WeeV grins to folk in an effort to support this fabulous charity in memory of one special little girl.
Donated on: 4th April 2022
A very worthwhile cause. Here's to you "Wee-V".
Donated on: 27th March 2022
Many thanks to Derek Pake for an amazing flight experience today in the Spirit of Wee V aircraft
Donated on: 6th December 2021
Many thanks to Derek Pake for an amazing day of flying in the Spirit of Wee V aircraft.
Donated on: 20th October 2021
Donated on: 7th September 2021
Donated on: 31st August 2021
A donation from Nigel Warner to say thank you to Derek Pake for another fantastic trip in Wee V. Keep flying high Wee V.
Donated on: 22nd July 2021
Huge thank you to Derek for taking my brother Calvin up today for a short in WeeVans RV! Donating to a great cause!
