LAURA Robertson-Tierney is an exceptional young woman. Just days after coming out of an induced coma following a operation on two aggressive brain tumours, the teenager used a finger board to tell her mum, Emma, “I never want anyone else to go through what I have gone through.”

At just 17, Laura, known as Louby, has undergone months of gruelling treatment after been diagnosed with the brain tumours.

Each day is still a challenge but despite that, Louby, who lives in Malton, has set up an appeal – Louby’s Lifeline – to help fund research and support others whose lives have been devastated by similar circumstances.

Louby collapsed in April and has since undergone two major operations as well as weeks of intensive radiotherapy.

Emma said that Lou’s determination made her fight every day to continue with her rehabilitation.

“It will be a long road to recovery and the journey is only just beginning,” she said.

“Louby wanted to do something positive and decided to work with her surgeon’s charity, Brian Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire.”

Emma said there were 120 different types of brain tumour and brain tumour cancer killed more people under 40 than any other cancer.

“We realise that brain tumours happen to anyone, at any age and literally stop you in your tracks,” Emma said.

“Research is poorly funded with less than one per cent of funds raised for research into cancer are devoted to brain cancer.”

The appeal is being backed by the Gazette & Herald who will be publicising and helping to promote fundraising events for Louby’s Lifeline.

Friends and fellow students at Norton College have already got their fundraising efforts underway with collection boxes in the school canteen along with a talent night and pyjama day.

Jennifer Austin, who taught Louby accounting, said everyone had been very upset when they heard about her illness.

“We have a good community spirit here and everyone has been very supportive,” she added.

“Some of the students have got sponsorship to wear their pyjamas and everyone has made a donation which will go to Louby’s Lifeline and the Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Louby’s friend Amber Rushworth said the pair had known each other for five years and had been inseparable ever since.

“When I first got a text from Lou saying she was in hospital I thought it was something minor. It was completely out of the blue,” she added.

“Lou wants everyone to be aware of this disease and do what she can to help others in the same situation.

“We want to do whatever we can to raise money to help.”

Future events also include a bingo night at Woodlands Community Centre in Rillington on Wednesday, November 2 at 7.15pm.

Emma said she and Louby were grateful for everyone’s support.

“A Zumbathon had raised £1,704 and a show cross £1,311 which was fantastic,” she added.

“Our friends and family have been amazing, supporting us both and organising some brilliant fundraising and awareness events – we are both very touched.

“We are hoping to hold a charity ball next year and just raise as much money and awareness as we can.”

• If you plan to hold an event to help Louby’s Lifeline, contact our reporter Karen Darley on 01653 659600, email maltongazette@gazetteherald.co.uk or call in the Malton office in Yorkersgate, from Monday, so we can tell everyone about it.