Hollywood star Michael Sheen is backing the Florrie Bark campaign which aims to raise £1m for charity.
The Good Omens star said: “She puts a smile on everyone’s face. It’s incredible that someone who has been through so much himself wants to make those around him feel good. We all need Florrie in our lives.”
Michael, who was a judge for 25th annual Pride of Britain Awards with TSB, knew she was worthy of a Child’s Courage Award the moment he read about Florrie’s mission.
The eight-year-old was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2022 and is currently awaiting a lung transplant. Once she is well enough again, she will dedicate all her free time to making TikTok videos to raise funds for Bemorefab, the charity she set up to raise awareness of childhood cancer and provide vital education to children with cancer.
And since Pride of Britain aired on ITV on Thursday, donations and pledges from readers have helped Florrie’s fundraising to more than £110,000. Michael said: “Whatever Florrie wants to do in life, whatever she sets her mind to, she’ll do brilliantly. She’s just one of those very special people you rarely meet.”
Recalling the evaluation process, Michael, a 55-year-old father of two, added: “That’s when I knew she was a real star.” We really wanted to have her on the show and we knew people would really respond to her. She’s obviously an incredibly special person and just lights up the room. She’s got such a big personality in such a small body.”
Flory said: “We’ve already raised over £100,000 and can pay for three teachers for the charity. With £1 million we could hire loads of teachers.” And her mother Stacey Burke added: “Every child has the right to an education, it’s a fundamental human right.”
‘I just try to make it fun’
Florence Ava Bark’s initials stand for FAB, and that’s exactly who she is.
She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2022 and hasn’t been to school since. “Not being able to go to school was really hard,” explains Flory, who has had her organs damaged by chemotherapy and is waiting for a lung transplant. “I was a kid who loved school, but math was my least favorite subject.”
Missing her friends and studying with others, Flory started making TikTok videos of herself in the hospital, using her account BeMoreFab to raise awareness at the hospital. The videos are about cancer and have reached millions of views. “I just like to think about good things and try to have fun,” she says.
Flory and her parents Andrew and Stacey founded Bemorefab, a charity that gives cancer patients access to education, social connections and support.
“I think people should give because it really helps a lot of people like me,” Flory says.
The running a campaign to raise £1 million, Andrew adds: “We honestly can’t believe the support that we are getting. We are just blown away.”