THE family of an 18-year-old who died of a brain tumour just hours after singing 'Happy Birthday' to her mum are backing a hospital's Christmas appeal.
Leah Pearson had received care on the Teenage Cancer Unit at Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield - and now her family are supporting its 'Christmas Star Appeal'.
The appeal encourages people to give a gift over the festive season to support the hospital's vital work.
The teenager's family has also produced a special calendar which features pictures of Leah to raise additional funds for the cancer charity.
Leah was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour just four months after noticing she was suffering from headaches in November last year.
She made a promise to herself that once she was better she would help to raise valuable funds for the hospital, to thank them for the help and support they provided for her and her family and to help other people going through an illness.
Having completed her treatment in June, Leah suddenly passed away - just hours after celebrating her mother's birthday.
Leah's parents Nigel, 39, and Haley, 37, along with younger siblings Shelby, 16, and Corey, 11, took over Leah’s wish and started to raise money in her memory along with her friends.
Supporters who donate to appeal will receive a silver star decoration to hang on their own Christmas tree.
