LOUBY’S Lifeline, set up by teenager Laura Robertson-Tierney, has reached a huge milestone, raising more than £15,000.

The 18-year-old, who died at her home in Malton in February, set up the appeal to help to prevent others going through what she went through by raising awarenss of brain cancer.

Just 10 months earlier, Laura, known as Louby, had collapsed and was diagnosed with two aggressive brain tumours.

Despite undergoing intensive and gruelling treatment, Louby was determined to raise awareness to help research and support others whose lives have been devastated by similar circumstances.

Her mum, Emma, said there are 120 different types of brain tumour, and pointed out that brain tumour cancer kills more people under 40 than any other cancer.

“Louby wanted to do something positive and decided to work with her surgeon’s charity, Brian Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire. She was also a living donor and gave her tumours to research,” she said.

“Research is poorly funded, with less than one per cent of funds raised for research into cancer devoted to brain cancer. That is why it is so vital that every penny raised through Louby’s Lifeline is used for research.”

Emma said she now hopes to raise the profile of Louby’s Lifeline by asking businesses to provide a link on their websites.

“It doesn’t cost anything and would be an amazing boost to Lou’s appeal by reaching more people who have perhaps not heard of the appeal and would like to get involved, or perhaps would like support due to a similar illness in their own family,” she said.

“Helping Hands of Harrogate has already given support to Louby’s Lifeline in raising awareness and has added it to its website.

“I am very grateful to everyone who is supporting and raising the profile of Louby’s Lifeline and I hope that they will continue to do so. To raise £15,000 is amazing.”

To show your support in raising awareness, email Loubyslifeline2011@hotmail.co.uk or phone Emma on 07813 916634.

If are planning an event to help Louby’s Lifeline, phone Karen Darley on 01653 695600, email maltongazette@gazetteherald.co.uk or drop in at the Malton office in Yorkersgate.