24/09/2026
As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness, we’re pleased to be able to share the inspiring story of a former St George's patient, Edie.
Edie was diagnosed with primary bone cancer at only three years old. She spent the first six weeks of her investigatory tests and chemotherapy treatment at St George's on Pinkney Ward.
The intensity of Edie’s treatment required 15 rounds of chemotherapy. When her hair started to fall out Edie became frightened and, in absence of being able to find any books in her age group to help, her Mum Holly made a quick decision.
“Edie is such a sunny child so it was heartbreaking to see her in fear of what was about to come. Inspired by her love of dressing up, I had the idea of a story where she could become a superhero in training.
Working in collaboration with our Paediatric Psychologist Dr. Holly Tallentire, Mum Holly wrote Edie’s Magic Hair.
“It completely changed her outlook. Suddenly she was a hero and not a hospital patient anymore. Seeing that change convinced me that families needed to be able to access something like this when facing the same challenging point of the journey.”
Holly is now raising funds to print and distribute ‘Edie’s Magic Hair’ onto specialist children’s cancer wards throughout the UK, as well as donating to St George's and The Royal Marsden as her nominated charities.
Dr. Tallentire says: “Edie's Magic Hair transforms one of the most visible challenges of cancer treatment into a story of courage, creativity, and strength. Through the power of storytelling, it helps children and their families find hope, connection, and moments of magic throughout their cancer journey.”
We are delighted to say that Edie is cancer free as of April this year and started school this month.
Follow the link to read more and support Holly's Edie's Magic Hair: https://www.stgeorgeshospitalcharity.org.uk/news/edies-magic-hair
