Young cancer patient and school friends donate £2,400 of toys to Broomfield Hospital

A ten-year-old girl from Chelmsford has turned her own difficult journey with cancer into a remarkable act of kindness. Amber Butcher, a pupil at The Beaulieu Park School, raised £2,400 with the help of her school friends, donating brand new toys to the children’s wards at Broomfield Hospital.

Amber was just nine years old when she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, in her leg. Her treatment included gruelling six-week cycles of chemotherapy at a specialist hospital in London, often leaving her extremely unwell and vulnerable to infections. With a weakened immune system, Amber frequently spent time at Broomfield Hospital in isolation to protect her from illness, meaning she couldn’t use the ward’s playroom that offers children a welcome escape from the clinical environment.

However, the hospital’s dedicated play team ensured that Amber—and her younger sister Lyla, now six—had a selection of brand-new toys to play with during her stays. When Lyla asked where the toys had come from, her mum Victoria explained they were donated by kind members of the community. That sparked an idea.

Once Amber was feeling well enough, she was determined to give back.

With the support of The Beaulieu Park School, including headteacher Mrs Koller, and the encouragement of friends and fellow parents, they organised a cake sale and launched an online fundraiser. The school community, family and friends responded with incredible generosity, helping them raise £2,400—every penny of which went toward buying toys for children currently receiving care at Broomfield.

Amber’s mum Victoria said: “The staff on the ward were fantastic with Amber. The play team went above and beyond to ensure both Amber and Lyla could still play together in isolation. The nurses were so caring, and Amber’s oncologist, Amy, couldn’t have done more to make sure Amber was safe, comfortable, and well cared for. After everything we’ve been through, we feel incredibly lucky to have had the support of the hospital, great friends, and such a wonderful school community.”

Amber particularly valued the time she could spend playing with Lyla, who continued to treat her just like her big sister—something that gave Amber a sense of normality during an otherwise scary and uncertain time.

Clair Dade, Fundraising Coordinator for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, praised Amber’s strength and compassion: “Amber’s courage through her treatment is truly inspirational. The toys donated to our play team make such a difference to children like Amber, helping them cope during incredibly tough times. That Amber has now turned around and helped others in the same situation speaks volumes about her character. We’re incredibly grateful to her, her friends, and The Beaulieu Park School for this amazing contribution.”

Amber has now completed her chemotherapy, but her journey continues. She’s working hard with her rehabilitation team, attending weekly physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions to support her mobility. Despite the challenges, she remains full of determination—and her recent fundraising proves that her kindness and spirit shine just as brightly as her bravery.