A teenager whose foray into photography while being treated for terminal cancer led to her meeting the Princess of Wales and working with photographer Rankin has died.
Liz Hatton, 17, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, died early on Wednesday morning, her mother, Vicky Robayna, announced on social media.
Hatton was diagnosed with a rare aggressive form of cancer in January and started a photography bucket list. She was invited last month to photograph an investiture at Windsor Castle, where the Princess of Wales embraced her.
Robanya wrote on X on Wednesday evening: “Our incredible daughter Liz passed away in the early hours this morning. She remained determined to the end. Even yesterday she was still making plans. We are so incredibly proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown over the past year.”
Hatton was told in January that she had six months to three years to live after she was diagnosed desmoplastic small round cell tumor. She finished chemotherapy last month.
Her mother added: “Not only was she a phenomenal photographer, she was the best person and the most amazing daughter and big sister we could have ever asked for. No one could have fought harder for life than she did.
“There’s a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I’m not sure how we’ll ever fill. We are so grateful to all of you, whether you offered to help, or liked or shared posts – you made Liz’s last two months her very best. She flew high until the end.”
Among the experiences on her bucket list was working on a fashion shoot, where she was helped by Rankin. She also worked with press photographers at the premiere of Venom: The Last Dance and shot a portrait of comedian Michael McIntyre.
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Hatton was still taking photos on the red carpet at the Royal Variety Performance on Friday.
Robyana asked people to share her daughter’s photos on social media and raise money for research into desmoplastic small round cell tumors. She said: “By 2024, a five-year survival rate of 15% is simply not enough. Together we can change that.”