The Norwich School pupil was just two years old when her family received the devastating news she had been diagnosed with leukaemia.
While the youngster was too young to fully understand how poorly she was, for her family, particularly her mother Millie, it was a heartrending experience.
Now a thriving 10-year-old girl who loves to knit, Gabriella has made a heartwarming gesture to show how grateful she is for the care she received throughout this time.
While she was undergoing treatment, a lot of her time was spent at the Jenny Lind Hospital at the Norfolk and Norwich – where her family was able to stay with her.
So when Gabriella learned the hospital is hoping to expand its offering for helping families stay on the ward, she was eager to help.
She said: “It must be so scary for children to be in hospital on their own. I don’t want anyone to have to go through that.
Mum Ms Catlin added: “We were able to make some really lovely memories being all together in hospital, despite everything we were going through. We want to help more people have that.
Gabriella has already helped raise money for the hospital by making tie-dye t-shirts, but her latest gesture is even more symbolic.
As she underwent chemotherapy, Gabriella lost all of her hair, leaving her an “egghead” in her own words.
Now, after growing it as long as possible – to a back-tickling 31 inches – she has donated as much of it as possible to the Little Princess Fund.
And in the process, she has raised more than £1,000 in sponsorship for the Jenny Lind.
To add to her donations, search for Gabriella Catlin on JustGiving.
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