The heartbreaking moment a Hartlepool dad tells his daughter her brain operation has been cancelled because of the coronavirus

Lyla O’Donovan, seven, faces yet another wait for her 10th surgery on her brain. It was due to go ahead today at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

But dad Paul, from Hartlepool, said the coronavirus would kill his daughter if she were to contract it.

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.

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.

Paul told of a whole mix of emotions after receiving the news that the surgery was on hold.

“I have never been more pleased to receive a phone call in my life but at the same time I am I worried about how long this could possibly delay her surgery.

“The hospital has phoned and cancelled Lyla’s op. The amount of new cases has risen in the last 24 hours and Lyla’s consultant thinks it’s best to postpone again.

“If she got the coronavirus while weak would kill her.

“So I am glad he has cancelled but I want you all to see the mental effect it has on Lyla”

Paul shared a video on Facebook of him breaking the news of the cancellation to a heartbroken Lyla who is in tears.

He added: “Thanks for all the support but Lyla needs more support then ever today guys so please if you can just send her a little hello.”

He urged people to share messages of love with Lyla on Facebook.

Lyla was just three when she was diagnosed with the brain tumour and has suffered endless complications, and the family dealt a series of blows along the way.

Her parents Paul and Kirsty O’Donovan, of Ushaw Moor, near Durham, are working with the charity Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness of the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40.