A Tragic Family’s Legal Battle Over Donations for Their Terminally Ill Children
A heart-wrenching legal battle is unfolding as a couple from Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, Craig Evison and Victoria Morrison, seek to use funds raised for their late son to support their younger daughter, who is also terminally ill. The family’s story highlights the emotional and financial complexities of charitable donations and the challenges faced by families dealing with multiple life-limiting conditions.
The Loss of Their Son Kyle
Kyle, the couple’s first child, was just nine years old when he passed away in 2020 after battling an incurable brain cancer known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Before his death, well-wishers had donated thousands of pounds to help cover his medical treatment and create cherished memories for the family. The money was initially raised through a Facebook campaign organized by the group One Pound Warriors, which encouraged small, regular donations for charitable causes. The funds were then transferred to Gold Geese, a charity that supports children with cancer.
However, due to the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyle never got to travel to the United States for treatment. By the time the restrictions eased, he was too ill and passed away in October 2020.
A New Diagnosis for Their Daughter Ruby-Rose
Despite their grief, the couple went on to have another child, Ruby-Rose, in 2022. But they were devastated when she was diagnosed with Megdel syndrome, a rare genetic metabolic disorder that leads to high levels of acid in the body and is usually fatal in early infancy. Doctors told them Ruby-Rose was unlikely to live beyond this summer.
In an effort to create meaningful experiences for their daughter, the parents launched a GoFundMe page titled “Ruby-Rose’s Making Memories Fund.” Their goal was to take her to Disney World in Florida to meet her favorite character, Minnie Mouse. However, when they tried to access the £100,000 left from the previous donations made for Kyle, they were informed that the money could not be used for Ruby-Rose because she did not have cancer.
The Legal Dispute
The couple is now taking legal action against Gold Geese, arguing that the money should be used to benefit their daughter. They claim that the funds were meant to support the family during their time of need, regardless of the specific illness affecting the child.
Gold Geese, however, maintains that the donations were made with the intention of helping children with cancer. According to the charity, the money can only be used for trials or other children in a similar situation to Kyle. They argue that the donors would not have intended for the funds to be used for a child with a different condition.
During the court hearing, the couple presented their case, emphasizing that Ruby-Rose’s illness is rare and similar to Kyle’s in terms of severity and life expectancy. They also pointed out that they had signed a contract stating that if the money was not spent on Kyle’s treatment before his death, it would go to another DIPG trial or a child in a “similar” position.
The Judge’s Perspective
Deputy Master Marc Glover, who presided over the case, acknowledged the family’s suffering and described them as “a courageous family” who had faced devastating bad luck. He emphasized the importance of understanding the donors’ intentions, noting that there were at least 1,300 different contributors.
He posed key questions: Was the intention behind the donations to support a broader cause, or was it specifically for Kyle? Could the funds be used for Ruby-Rose, even if she had a different condition?
The judge concluded that the matter required further deliberation, and a final judgment on whether the money can be used for Ruby-Rose will be delivered at a later date.
A Family’s Hope
For Craig and Victoria, the fight is about more than just money—it’s about creating memories for their daughter while she still has time. They believe that the spirit of the donations should extend to all their children, regardless of the specific illness.
As the legal process continues, the family remains hopeful that the court will recognize the unique circumstances of their situation and allow them to use the funds for Ruby-Rose’s benefit. Their story serves as a reminder of the deep emotional impact of childhood illness and the complex ethical considerations surrounding charitable donations.