A Stubbington mum's tireless campaigning following the death of her daughter has led to the creation of a Government taskforce to tackle child cancer.

In September 2020, Charlotte Fairall’s daughter Sophie was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer and tragically passed away a year later at 10 years old.

Just ten days later, she met with her MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage, to find out how she could help other children in Sophie's situation - and set up the children's cancer charity Sophie's Legacy.

READ MORE: Mum Charlotte Fairall honoured with Point of Light award

Yesterday, it was announced that her hard work had led to the creation of a Government taskforce bringing together the NHS, Government and charities to improve child cancer treatment.

She said: “Through the collaborative efforts of Dame Caroline Dinenage and myself, we have tirelessly pursued meaningful change for children and young people battling cancer.

"In memory of my daughter, whose courageous spirit and heartfelt bucket list ignited our mission, we've worked diligently over the past two and a half years to transform her dreams into impactful change.

“We're hopeful this task force will spark the vital changes needed for children like Sophie to survive cancer and lead fulfilling lives free from the burdens of treatment impacts.”

Dame Caroline will be the chair of the Department of Health and Social Care’s Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce. Its priorities will be DNA testing and treatment; detection and diagnosis and investment in research and innovation.

She said: “Sophie’s story profoundly touched the hearts of local people, and it’s been such an honour to work with Charlotte on our mission to improve the way we detect, treat, and care for children with cancer.

“Our journey together has taken us from Gosport to the heart of Government, and I’m delighted that the Health Secretary has given us this once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring together experts from across the sector to drive the changes we want to see.

“It’s an honour to be asked to chair the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce, bringing together key figures who can make progress across three key areas; genomics, detection and diagnosis, and research and innovation.

"I hope that my knowledge and experience will provide the leadership that this important issue deserves.”

In January 2022, Caroline raised the matter in Prime Minster’s Questions and in April 2022 she secured the first ever childhood cancer debate in the House of Commons.

Caroline and Charlotte have met with various Health Secretaries proposing the taskforce, which will come up with a plan to improve childhood cancer treatment alongside experts in the field, the Government and charities.

In September 2023 Caroline raised the idea with the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.