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The heartbroken family of a seven-year-old school girl diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour want to make special memories with her in the time she has left.
Little Lyrah Brewer was tragically found to have a DIPG tumour in April, a primary, high-grade brain tumour affecting children.
The Ospringe primary school pupil has spent most of her time at the Royal Marsden Hospital since, and is currently undergoing radiotherapy in the hope of extending her life expectancy.
With “every moment precious”, mum Victoria Brewer, 32, is hoping to make as many memories as possible with Lyrah, who is one of four siblings.
“Never would you ever think anything like this is going to happen to you or someone you love so dearly,” said Victoria, who lives in Lewis Road, Faversham. “It is hard to find the words to say, it is still so unbelievable.
“Lyrah is an extraordinary seven-year-old, who for such a young child has had such a big impact on the lives of everyone she has met.”
Victoria, who is staying with Lyrah in a flat near the Royal Marsden, says it was late in April when she received the “devastating news” of the tumour.
“Unfortunately, as the tumour is located on the brain stem there is nothing the doctors can do but try and slow it down with radiotherapy,” she said.
“One of the hardest parts is not knowing how much time we have to spend with Lyrah and that makes every moment so precious.”
Victoria is hoping to raise awareness about the rare condition and has praised Lyrah for her unwavering courage.
“Despite all of the tests and treatments she has done and has to do, Lyrah is still so full of happiness,” she added. “It is her that gives everyone the determination and motivation to carry on and help her fight this awful disease.
“I think it is important to raise awareness, not just for Lyrah, but for anyone going through the same thing.
“There is little research and very limited treatments and I think with more awareness and support this can change.”
On Sunday, friends and family have organised a fun day at Faversham Football Club to raise awareness of the disease and funds for Lyrah.
Amy Leeds, one of the organisers and mum to Lyrah’s best friend at school, says she is “overwhelmed” at the support given so far.
She said: “The event page of Facebook is going wild and companies have contacted me offering donations for the raffle. The support and love flooding in is lovely and overwhelming. It makes me proud to live in this little town.
“Money will go to Lyrah and her family for anything they need, be it travel for the family to get up to London to see her, making amazing forever memories or making sure some is put aside to help them with whatever they may need.
“Lyrah is an extraordinary seven-year-old, who for such a young child has had such a big impact on the lives of everyone she has met..." - Victoria Brewer
“My son is Lyrah’s best friend at school so myself and my husband wanted to do as much as we could to help and support them all through this devastating diagnosis.
“Sunday’s fun day is an event to raise as much as we can, and raise awareness by selling some bands for the Brain Tumour Charity also. They are totally behind us and have been extremely helpful in offering advice on how to raise awareness and get the community involved, and importantly how to support the little ones around Lyrah and her class friends.”
There will be a soft play bus, magic show, facepainting and a craft corner at the fundraiser at the football club ground in Salters Lane between 10am and 2pm.
Anyone wishing to contribute a raffle prize or donate towards fundraising should contact liz@saxonshore.uk
To donate to the appeal fund online please click here
