Kind-hearted people across the region are helping to support a five-year-old girl diagnosed with an incurable and inoperable brain tumour

The family of Mercy Cuthbertson, from North Tyneside, whose parents are both serving police officers, are now raising funds for treatment.

Mam Lorraine, who is a Chief Inspector in Sunderland and South Tyneside and dad Paul who is a PC working in one of our busy control rooms, have been left utterly heartbroken by the diagnosis.

Lorraine said: "We are absolutely devastated and when we heard those four words – ‘it’s a brain tumour’ – our lives changed forever.

“But we’ve decided to be positive and to fight.

“We are going to do all we can to fight this diagnosis and maintain Mercy’s mobility for as long as possible.”

The family are now raising money to fund medication not currently available to Mercy on the NHS, to help prolong her life.

The Northern Echo: Mercy CuthbertsonMercy Cuthbertson (Image: Contributor)The treatment is available privately elsewhere, including in Germany, but costs thousands of pounds each month.

They are also hoping to get Mercy onto a clinical trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Concerns were raised a few months ago when Mercy started experiencing issues with her balance and vision.

After undergoing MRI scans and medical investigations, the family’s worst nightmare was confirmed.

Since being diagnosed with the tumour, Mercy has undergone three brain surgery operations, 28 radiotherapy sessions and intense physio.

Despite all that she has been through, Mercy remains resilient and enjoys playing with her sister Minnie, who is 14, watching Ant and Dec on TV and playing with the family’s pet dogs.

Lorraine said: “The tumour has impacted Mercy’s mobility and vision – she now requires care 24/7 and each day we are very much led by what she wants and can do.

“Mercy is hilarious, strong, sweet – your typical little girl.

“She absolutely loves playing with our two bichon puppies.

“She is just amazing.”

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Close family friend and colleague Liz Biggins has set up a JustGiving page in a bid to raise £50,000 to pay for treatment and specialist care and equipment.

Any remaining funds will be donated to The Brain Tumour Charity.  

The family have thanked all who have reached out and supported the fundraising so far.

Further details and the fundraising page can be accessed here