A SPECIAL celebration was held on Saturday to mark the 18th birthday of Laura Robertson-Tierney.

Family and friends gathered at the Market Place Restaurant in Malton to celebrate with Laura, also known as Lou.

The teenager was diagnosed with two aggressive brain tumours last April.

Despite undergoing months of intensive treatment, Laura has now been told that she has a third tumour and her condition is terminal.

Her mum, Emma, said: “Lou was a bright, bubbly and humorous teenager who was always on the go and loved to socialise before she collapsed at work.

“We have now been told that all the tumours are back and extremely aggressive.

“There are no words to describe how devastated we are but we are determined to make the most of the time we have left together.”

Laura arrived at her party in a Lamborghini Murcielago Coupe driven by John Hawkins of Specialist Cars in Malton, to applause from those waiting outside.

Wearing a pink hand-made dress embroidered with crystals and sequins, courtesy of Ellie’s Fund, a charity which helps children and young people with brain tumours, Laura walked, with the help of her mum Emma, into the party to greet her guests.

Fundraising co-ordinator Carol Robertson from the Brain Tumour Research and Support charity, speaking at the party, said life had changed dramatically for the pair, along with their family and friends, when Laura was diagnosed with two brain tumours last April.

“Over the past 10 months, challenges greater than most people face in a lifetime have had to be overcome and Emma and Lou have been amazed by the kindness and support they have received from old friends and new, from family and professionals alike,” she said.

“They are grateful for the strength and support everyone has given them in so many different ways.”

Carol singled out Jaden Thorpe, Laura’s boyfriend, for particular praise, saying he had been her rock and had shown a maturity way beyond his years.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Louby’s friends who have never faltered in their support of their friend and have raised more than £7,000 for Louby’s Lifeline,” she added.

“Most 18-year-olds are not faced with the challenges that Louby has to contend with and I think the grace and dignity with which she has overcome so many hurdles puts many of us to shame.

“She is a bright, intelligent, brave, warm, wonderful young woman who touches everyone she meets and is incredibly special.”

Emma said she was delighted so many people had been able to join Laura on Saturday make it such a special evening.

“I would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who made the party so special and to all our family and friends who celebrated Laura’s 18th birthday with us,” she added.