It is with deep sorrow that we have to tell readers that Florence Jackson died in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The enchanting two-year-old, daughter of estate agent Rodney, had been suffering from stage 4 neuroblastoma.
The little girl, with her gorgeous smile, captured the hearts of generous EYE readers as well as many other communities, including schoolchildren.
Her parents had hoped to raise enough money to take her to New York, where a specialist surgeon has had excellent results.
Money turned out not to be the problem: the crowdfunding appeal launched last month on Just Giving aimed to raise £250,000 but within days sailed past that target.
By yesterday evening, £295,000 had been raised from over 9,200 donations.
The total was generously helped by readers – including agents and suppliers to the industry – who supported #FlorenceDay
The Jackson family were so appreciative of your kindness.
At the weekend, dad Rodney posted on the Just Giving site the heart-breaking message: “Florence sadly lost her fight with cancer at 1am this morning. She was such a brave beautiful girl who fought so hard, unfortunately neuroblastoma has won. She has left a huge hole in our hearts that will never be filled, but at least she is at peace and the cancer is no longer killing her. RIP Flo Flo 10.07.14 – 11.02.17 R, C and C ***.”
Our utmost sympathies go to Rodney – a senior negotiator with Proctors in West Wickham, Kent – his wife Carolyn, and their daughter Charlotte, Florence’s older sister.
There are no words, but we are all thinking of you.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Flosfight
This is such very sad news…so sorry for Florence and her family. For once……I just don’t know what else to say…
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So utterly sad to read this news this morning. My thoughts are with the Jackson family.
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To Florence – a sweet little girl who united an Industry with her smile.
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My thoughts go to the family and all that new sweet Florence. The fact that so many came together in support of her cause may be if little comfort to the family now but it speaks volumes as to the love she was able to generate. Rest in peace.
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Such sad news.
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Oh god that’s such shocking news. Never knew her but you didn’t have to to feel her plight and what a titanic challenge it was.
As useless as it is at a time like this all thoughts are with the family at this impossible time.
At a time when people fight over the most petty of things and I’m one of the worst for it its worth remembering the things that are important and what a complete bastard this disease is and still needs all the funding to beat we can manage.
Heartbreaking….
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Very sad news. Thoughts are with her family.
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So very sad to read this devastating news. Rest peacefully Florence.
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RIP little Florence X
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So very sorry to hear this and my thoughts are with Florence’s family. Where there are no words, there is only love.
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It is with many tears in my eyes reading this. How incredibly sad.
Cancer really is the worst, but Florence’s bravery and strength will live on.
All of my thoughts, love and prayers go out to Florence’s family. RIP Angel x
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Such sad news this morning.
deepest sympathy to the Jackson family.
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Heartbreaking news, puts everything into perspective. Much love and deepest sympathy to the Jackson family. xx
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My heart sank when I read this, I was so hoping that there would be a miracle for little Florence. In the end the only miracle was Florence herself. God bless.
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Just the news we all dreaded. RIP Florence.
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Oh gosh, this is so heartbreaking to hear. Thoughts and prayers with the family. Rest in Peace, Florence x
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This is desperately sad news – no child should have had to fight the battle Florence was forced into; may she be at peace. Let us hope that the money we all raised for Florence saves another child’s life down the line.
This can be a cruel world at times and Florence’s legacy will be one of unity, hope and generosity.
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A very sad story and my condolences to her family and friends. A horrible time for them to endure.
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So sad , R.I.P little one
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Such sad news. My heartfelt condolences go to all her family. Hopefully her legacy will live on. RIP Florence
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As with all the other contributors, there are no words simply sincere and deep sympathy. You will always have your memories, cherish those and remember the support that Florence achieved.
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May her little soul RIP…….Heartbreaking News and as a mother of two young children, my heart breaks for your family. May God bless you all
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Very sad news. So sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with the family xx
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My heart goes out on hearing such awful news. I really feel for parents that are in this situation.
I am uncomfortable with the costly ‘American surgeons’ that are going to try and save our children so often in these cases. I genuinely believe that the care our doctors can and do give will be the utmost a first world nation such as ours can give. Any parents in this situation would do ANYTHING for their child. There should be some research into just how much good sending children to foreign surgeons can do beyond giving hope where there is little.
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goodbye to a remarkable, brave little soul RIP
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