Are you Kirsty or perhaps Kirstie? Maybe you know someone who is. If so, an 11-year-old from Kent wants to hear from you.
Kirsty Waugh, from Royal Tunbridge Wells, has identified more than 7,000 “Kirstys” and “Kirsties” across all seven continents in a unique fundraising effort inspired by being diagnosed with brain cancer.
She is now asking Islanders to help her track down people who share her name, as part of the worldwide campaign.
Despite the project going international, the Channel Islands remain underrepresented. Just eight namesakes have so far been found locally – three in Jersey and five in Guernsey – far below the estimated 175 believed to live across the islands.
Her family is now urging anyone named Kirsty or Kirstie to come forward and add themselves to the campaign’s growing online map.
Kirsty launched the initiative after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2024, during the early stages of her treatment.
She is currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy and is expected to face a further course lasting around 80 weeks.
In her first year of treatment, Kirsty raised £120,000 for Children with Cancer UK.
She has since shifted her focus towards raising awareness of paediatric brain tumours and supporting research into more effective and less harsh treatments.
Speaking about her experience, Kirsty said treatment had been “tough,” adding: “I’ve lost a lot of hair, had blood transfusions and been in hospital a lot… and that’s why research needs to be done to find kinder treatments.
“Only 3p in every £100 of government funding into cancer research goes to help children like me.”
Her campaign is also supporting OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity and has already raised more than £64,000.
The initiative gained early momentum after Kirsty met UK number one badminton player Kirsty Gilmour, who became the campaign’s first official “find” at the All England Badminton Championships.
Kirsty’s father, Mat Waugh, said the response had been overwhelming.
“Every time a Kirsty or a supporter is added to the map, and every donation made, gives Kirsty a lift,” he said.
“It’s such a difficult time for her and us as a family, but seeing people take time out to support her puts a big smile on her face when she needs it most.”
The campaign is open to anyone named Kirsty or Kirstie, as well as “Friends of Kirsty”, with supporters able to join online and view the global map of participants.
People are also encouraged to organise their own fundraising events – from bake sales such as “Cakes for Kirsty” to sponsored challenges like “5K for Kirsty”.
Those wishing to find out more or donate can do so by visiting mynameiskirsty.com.
