“Tula Day” Goes Global As Isle Of Wight Shows Support For Young Cancer Patient

An Isle of Wight school’s fundraiser for a young pupil battling a rare and aggressive cancer is taking place yesterday (Friday), with overwhelming support pouring in from across the Island and beyond.

Tula, a Year 1 pupil, is currently undergoing treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) at Southampton Children’s Hospital after being diagnosed in January.

The condition is extremely rare, affecting around 100 children each year in the UK.

Following an unsuccessful first round of chemotherapy, she is now being prepared for a bone marrow transplant at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

Friday's “Tula Day” saw schools, businesses and residents dress in bright, colourful and glittery outfits in exchange for donations, helping raise funds to support Tula and her family during treatment.

Her parents have shared their gratitude, saying:

“We are so grateful for the Island’s love and support throughout this horrendous time — ‘Tula Day’ has gone global, thanks to the enthusiasm of the local community.

“Each and every donation gives us the opportunity to explore further healing opportunities for Tula if the current trial drugs fail.

“We pray that’s not the case but we can’t leave it any longer to get ourselves prepared. Thank you Isle of Wight — we love you!”

The fundraiser has already raised around £146,000 towards a £200,000 target.

Money raised will help the family stay together and remain close to Tula throughout her treatment, while also supporting any future care options.

Supporters are being encouraged to share photos and videos from the day to help lift Tula’s spirits.

In a message of her own, Tula said:

“Thank you everyone for thinking about me and I can’t wait to see all the photos and videos.”

Donations can be made via the family’s GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pete-jo-tula-and-their-family

Organisers say every contribution will make a difference as Tula continues her treatment journey.