Hatti Sandall was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last March, and responded by raising thousands for cancer treatment. Now her friends and family continue the work in her stead
A 24 year-old graduate and cheerleader from Newcastle University, Hatti Sandall fought off spindle cell sarcoma for 10 months, enduring surgery and chemotherapy with a smile. Her friends set up the charity Smile for Hatti, which gathered donations to help treat Hatti and others like her.
Hatti had worked at Property House Marketing in Guildford since graduation. Nikki Ackerly, editor of The Guildford Magazine and Hatti's managing director, (pictured, left, with Hatti) said they'd "been missing Hatti for the last eight months. She was a vital part of our company for the energy and enthusiasm she brought... and we are all the better for having known her."
If Hatti made an impact on everyone she met, the charity that bears her name is no different. With her passing it is being converted into Smile from Hatti, to raise funds for cancer sufferers in the same position.
Hatti encouraged others to donate blood through social media, creating the #igavebloodhats hashtag for use on Twitter. Hundreds of people had already responded to her efforts with photos of themselves giving blood, and it remains in use.
Tributes have poured in, and January 9 saw Eliza Doolittle headlining a charity gig at the Boileroom in Guildford, organized by Hatti's friend Tom Morley and attended by hundreds including Hollywood actor Nicholas Hoult. The event raised over £2000 for the hospice which had looked after Hatti, as well as Sarcoma UK.
To donate and read more of Hatti's story, visit the website Smile for Hatti.
