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Last hope for brave Niamh in tumour fight
Niamh Power, eight, who suffers with a brain tumour pictured with her favourite bear, Dave (w120124-5d)
BRAVE schoolgirl Niamh Power has one ‘last chance’ to beat a recurring brain tumour which could mean she has just months to live.
The eight-year-old’s family are raising cash to take her to America for pioneering clinical trials after doctors said there was nothing more that could be done in the UK.
Niamh has undergone operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to remove tumours, only for them to return – and it is expected another will return in about four months.
Now fundraisers are rallying around to send Niamh to America in a last-ditch treatment bid that could cost up to £300,000.
Niamh’s dad Simon Power, of Maple Avenue, Maltby, said: “This is our last chance really. It’s a lot of money, but you would do anything in this situation. There’s nothing else in the UK for Niamh treatment-wise.
“We haven’t got a long time because the tumour has been returning for 18 months.
“It might be three, four months before it does again. The doctors think it’s going to come back and it will.
“Nothing is for definite in America either, we just know there are a lot of trials she could be eligible for if we are able to go.”
Niamh was diagnosed with her anaplastic astrocytoma 18 months ago. She has had three operations in that time and was left paralysed down one side after the last surgery.
Simon said: “She’s very bubbly and nothing gets her down, she’s always got a smile for everybody, even now. That’s why we’ve got to try everything we can, she doesn’t deserve this.”
Sheffield businesses have held fundraising events to raise about £17,000 so far for the cause.
The Milestone gastro pub, Kelham Island, where Niamh’s uncle works, is holding a fundraiser on Monday, February 27, when chefs will be waiting tables while waiters cook with profits donated to Niamh’s fund and Sheffield Children’s Hospital. To book a table, call 0114 272 2150.
n To donate to Niamh, visit www.hopeforniamh.co.uk
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