We are deeply saddened to share the news that George Fox has died from a brain tumour, aged 13.
Known to many as Gorgeous George after the crowdfunding page his parents set up so that he would be able to access pioneering treatment abroad, the young teenager died last night (12th April) surrounded by family.
Announcing the tragic news Facebook, George’s mum, Louise wrote: “As parents these are the most difficult words we will ever have to write.
“We are absolutely devastated to share that our beautiful Gorgeous George slipped away peacefully last night at 11.45pm, 12 April 2022 with Mum, Dad, Jamie and Issy by his side telling him just how much we loved him and that it was fine to rest.
“We are heartbroken, and always will be. We can’t imagine our pain ever going away, and we don’t want to; it’s testament to how much we love our little boy.”
After being diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), George underwent multiple brain surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The brave youngster also travelled to Germany and America for treatment.
Sadly, he was unable to take part in a planned clinical trial in Los Angeles after his condition deteriorated on the flight out. His stay in intensive care whilst in America saw him rack up medical bills worth many hundreds of thousands of dollars, covered in part by generous crowdfunding donations.
The family, from Bedfordshire, became passionate supporters of the charity Brain Tumour Research, campaigning for more funds for vital research into brain tumours.
Louise added: “We’ve learned more from George in the last 11 months than we have in our entire lifetime and will make sure we keep his name alive, continuing to fight the battle against brain tumours and glioblastoma so his young life hasn’t been cruelly ended early in vain. We know that is what he would want as he always put others before himself.”
Hugh Adams, our Head of Stakeholder Relations, said: “Our hearts go out to George’s family following this awful loss. Sadly, his story is all too familiar in the brain tumour community and we will continue to fight for better treatment options for patients and, ultimately, a cure.”
Our thoughts are with George’s family and all of his loved ones at this difficult time.