A SERVICE to mark the setting up of permanent tributes for eight-year-old cancer victim Lauren Brown has been held at her school.

A ceremony took place at Ysgol Deiniol, Marchwiel to plant a cherry tree and place a commemorative plaque in memory of Lauren.

Headteacher Terry Walker said: “Lauren was a model pupil. She was a bright, hard working, fun loving girl who was very popular.”

Mr Walker said the service was very moving and showed how much everyone cared for Lauren. He also thanked stone mason Stephen Price, of Pentre Broughton, for donating the plaque and the parents of pupils Tobias and Fearne Landon for donating the cherry tree.

Meanwhile there have been many fundraising activities taking place in memory of Lauren, who died in February.

A trust to benefit the children’s ward at the Maelor Hospital has been set up bearing her name.

Among the most recent events Lauren’s mum, Clare, and a group of around 15 others put their best foot forward to climb to the top of Snowdon. A number of other supporters went to the summit on mountain bikes. Sponsorship money is still coming in but already more than £1,000 has been collected.

A raffle, generously supported by many local businesses and an envelope draw helped to raise more than £800 on the night.

Clare said that so far £5,500 has been spent on six parent beds at the children’s ward, allowing mums and dads of young patients to stay overnight.

She said: “This takes the total to eight beds, as two were kindly donated by the League of Friends.

“We also bought two 32-inch televisions and a load of toys for the children. So now if a child has to have a needle in their hand or an injection they get a toy for being
brave.

“No amount of money we raise will ever bring Lauren back, but we can make such a difference for other children on the ward just by providing a few toys to make them
smile.”

Clare said the total raised to date is nearing £8,500.

She added: “We should reach our £10,000 target when all the money from the
sponsored Snowdon climb comes in.”

The fund for Lauren was co-founded by Clare, her friend Vicky Lewis and Lauren’s grandmotherm Jill Beddoes.

Vicky said: “I know Lauren would be so proud of us for having already achieved so much. The kindness of people is amazing. But then again it is benefiting every person in our area who has needed or will ever need this caring children’s ward.

“It was a special place to Lauren and will always be special to us. I have two children and you never know when you will need this ward.”

Jill said: “I have been astounded by the donations that have been coming in. Just people you bump into have given £5 or £10 for the fund. Companies, individuals
that maybe know someone who knows a family member, have donated.”

A website has also been set up at www.thelaurenbrown fund.com