Take a hike with Lyla O’Donovan as her Hartlepool dad launches feel-good day out to bring people together

Lyla O’Donovan, seven, who is battling brain tumour and father Paul O'Donovan.

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The dad of a brave youngster is gathering people together for a hilltop challenge as his daughter prepares to undergo her next operation.

Paul O’Donovan’s girl Lyla is due to undergo surgery next month as part of her ongoing treatment following her brain stem tumour in 2016.

Since then, the now seven-year-old has undergone life-threatening surgery, battled meningitis, been treated for hydrocephalus and had a shunt put into her head.

A week ahead of her next procedure, Paul hopes to bring supporters together for a walk up Roseberry Topping and has suggested three different routes so that people of all abilities can take part.

Lyla at home as she was hooked up a monitor to help treat her health condition.

The 35-year-old said: “There’s a lot of people feeling down, lost and isolated out there so we're planning a hike with Lyla.

“There are three different ways up the top so depending on the level of fitness we can choose closer to the day, everyone is welcome.

“It could be a chance to catch up with some old friends or even meet need ones or simply just get out and do something active.

“There is no money involved and you don’t need to fundraise.

Lyla O’Donovan, seven, was diagnosed with a brain stem tumour in 2016.

“This is to help raise awareness for childhood brain tumours.

“We have done this before but this time we want as many of you guys as possible.”

He added he wanted to get as many people involved as possible to make a statement.

Paul, who is from Hartlepool, and wife Kirsty, 34, now live in Ushaw Moor near Durham city.

They are working with the charity Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness of the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40.

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.

The event will be held on Sunday, March 15, meeting at 12.30pm with a start time of 1pm.

Anyone who would like to take part can use the postcode TS9 6QR to find the meeting place.

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