Hartlepool dad urges people to keep brave Lyla O'Donovan in their thoughts as she prepares for operation

Lyla O’Donovan’s family have been told that she is still due to undergo surgery this coming week as part of her ongoing treatment following her brain stem tumour in 2016.

There were doubts as to whether the operation – which would be her 10th – would go ahead amid the ongoing coronvavirus crisis.

But her family, including her Hartlepool dad, Paul O’Donovan, have now confirmed that the surgery is “definitely going ahead”.

The family wrote on a Facebook page devoted to her journey that it is due to take place this Wednesday, March 25, saying: “Just come off the phone to the hospital and Lyla’s surgery definitely going ahead.”

The post added: “Sadly she’s not allowed any visitors to prevent infection.

“I understand everyone’s worried about the situation the world’s in at the moment, but would you please keep Lyla in your thoughts.”

In the last four years Lyla has undergone life-threatening surgery, battled meningitis, been treated for hydrocephalus and had a shunt put into her head.

It has led to Paul, 35, wife Kirsty, 34, who now live in Ushaw Moor, near Durham City, and their family supporting the Brain Tumour Research charity to raise awareness of the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40.

A fundraising walk up Roseberry Topping, near Guisborough, which was due to take place last weekend, was postponed amid the current crisis.

It has been provisionally rescheduled for Sunday, May 3, at 12.30pm.

The family wrote on Facebook: “Lyla might not be fully recovered but can see how she is closer to the time.”

Once she is fully recovered, they hope to take her to Germany, where she was born, for a holiday.

Their daughter’s inspirational story led to her becoming one of the winners of a Child of Courage trophy at the recent Best of Hartlepool Awards.

Lyla’s story can be followed through the Facebook page Lyla’s Brain Tumour Journey.