Jossie

Jossie’s story 

Jocelyn, affectionately known as Jossie to her family and friends, fought high-risk neuroblastoma since her diagnosis in November 2017. Her parents, Stewart and Cassie, chose her name because it means ‘cheerful’. Jossie was a happy-go-lucky child, always smiling and full of enthusiasm and red-headed spirit, despite her chemotherapy, daily injections, regular blood transfusions and endless hospital visits. 

Back in August 2017, Jossie had turned four. She had recently become a big sister to her much-loved brother, Dougie. 

A few weeks later, she started ‘big school’ and suffered the odd cold and sickness bug – nothing out of the ordinary for a child of her age. However, during the first week back after the Autumn half term, her parents noticed that Jossie had developed a limp. She had also become increasingly tired and emotional – not “the usual Jossie,” – and was starting to lose weight.   

Stewart and Cassie took her to the doctors where initial blood tests revealed that she was anaemic. The family were told to go straight to their local A&E department, where more blood tests were undertaken. The doctors suspected Crohn’s disease, colitis or glandular fever, so Jossie was admitted to hospital for further examinations including X-rays. 

Over the course of a few days, Stewart and Cassie’s lives changed forever. 

The family were transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital where Jossie was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma – the most aggressive form of the disease. Tests confirmed that she had a solid tumour in her tummy the size of a melon and that it had spread to a third of her bone marrow. 

Within days of the diagnosis, Jossie became very poorly. She’d lost more weight and the pain started to spread to her knees and ankles. She was unable to walk more than a few steps or even summon the strength to play with her baby brother. 

Jossie’s family decided to fundraise with Solving Kids' Cancer UK to ensure that Jossie could access any treatment she might have needed not available through the NHS.  

Jossie faced years of intensive treatment including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. 

She passed away on 6th October 2019. 

Jossie’s Posse 

Those who knew, loved, or felt inspired by Jossie have become part of “Jossie’s Posse” and over the last few years, raised an incredible amount of money to help other children and families through Solving Kids’ Cancer UK work. 

Jossie’s Posse has taken part in the Thames Bridges Trek, where over 60 people walked in Jossie's honour; The Bents Butterfly Ball; both London and Brighton marathons and RideLondon. They also shaved off their hair, have sold lovely loom bands, and put on raffles and yard sales. Her dedicated family, friends and strong community are an inspiration. 

Since 2021, at the end of every academic year at Jossie’s school, one child from each year group receives the ‘Jossie Leaver Positivity Award’. As the name suggests, the award is given to pupils who have demonstrated exceptional positivity, courage and resilience through times of difficulty. Jossie’s parents say, “We are so proud that the award is part of Jossie’s legacy and it is an incredibly fitting tribute to Jossie and the qualities she so often displayed.”

_{Donations made in loving memory of children} 

_{Funds raised in loving memory of Jossie will be used to support other children like Jossie 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.}