A SOMERSET girl who beat a beat a brain tumour and topped the charts with a charity single last Christmas has launched another appeal this year - to help find a cure for cancer.

Seven-year-old Lyra Cole from Highbridge was number one for more than a week at the end of 2019 with her version of Cliff Richard's 'When A Child Is Born'.

She was eventually pipped at the post in the download charts by rapper Stormzy - but hasn't let that discourage her.

The young singer is supporting Brain Tumour Research again this year and is releasing another single - the title of which is yet to be released.

Lyra is also starring as the face of the charity's Christmas appeal.

She and her family know the pain of a brain tumour diagnosis after being given the bad news when she was just a baby.

A five-month-old Lyra underwent gruelling emergency surgery to remove a tumour the size of an orange.

This was initially successful but, within months, she was struggling to see - and underwent a second procedure a year later, which restored her sight.

Now fully-recovered and leading a happy life, Lyra and her family hope to raise awareness for Brain Tumour Research this Christmas.

Mum Ellie Hawkes, 29, said: "Things turned out well for Lyra and we know that many others are not so fortunate.

"It was very frightening at the time and it's still difficult to talk about what we went through as a family, but we want to continue to help raise vital awareness.

"This charity has been very supportive and I know how hard they are working to find a cure for brain tumours.

"We hope people will support this appeal - together we can strive to offer a better future for all the children and adults affected by a brain tumour."

This Christmas the charity is appealing to people to support its work and spread hope with a donation to its annual Christmas Hope Tree Appeal.

Supporters can also share a personal message with their donation that can appear on a 'bauble of hope' - to be displayed on one the charity’s special Christmas Hope Trees at their research centres.

The message could be a memory of a loved one, in support of someone diagnosed with a brain tumour, or a heartfelt thanks to the charity's scientists for their tireless efforts to find a cure.

The charity's chief executive, Sue Farrington Smith MBE, said: "This year, more than ever before, we need help to continue our vital work.

"Our fundraising has taken a massive hit, as a result of restrictions imposed by the pandemic. We are hoping that those who are in a position to give can do so generously, as we aim to recover our losses and continue our life-saving work.

"Our popular Christmas Hope Tree Appeal is a perfect opportunity to give a gift of hope and maybe donate some of those savings that have been made as a result of working from home during lockdown."

Lyra has already completed her bauble, sharing a message of hope for all affected by this devastating disease.

To donate go to www.braintumourresearch.org/donation/hope-tree-appeal.