A FUND set up in memory of a brave eight-year-old girl who died earlier this year from cancer will bring comfort to youngsters spending Christmas in hospital.

More than £2,000 has been collected in the last few weeks by the Lauren Brown Fund and the money is being used to buy presents for patients on the children’s ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Lauren, who attended Ysgol Deiniol in Marchwiel, died in February following a brave fight against a rare type of bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma.

In recognition of her bravery the Lauren Brown Fund was set up and has already made many valuable donations to the children’s ward, a unit which the Brown family valued highly for the care Lauren received and is using its latest fundraising efforts to brighten up the lives of young patients at Christmas.

The total of more than £2,000 includes £1,050 from Mark Williams of Bwlchgwyn and Mark Burgess of Wrexham who raised the cash by running in the Anglesey Marathon.

£1,124 was raised when Mark Williams’ wife Annette celebrated her 50th birthday in a joint party with friend Adrian Cznerchiak from Wrexham. Instead of presents they asked for donations to the Lauren Brown Fund.

Lauren’s mother Clare, of Abenbury, said that presents have now been bought and would be dropped off at the hospital in time for Christmas.

In addition, Tesco has generously donated selection boxes.

Clare said: “We would like to thank everyone who has been so kind, their support is greatly appreciated.

“We are keeping this going for Lauren, she is still very much helping others. This is her legacy.”

About £16,500 has been raised by the fund since February. There are a number of further events coming up to add to the total, including a charity auction on January 4 at the Lemon Tree restaurant in Wrexham. Tickets cost £20 each, including a buffet. There will then be a bingo session at the Piercy Hall in Marchwiel on January 15.