Hi, my name is Lucy and I am fundraising on behalf of my friend Louise Taylor and her family. I know lots of people want to support them at this difficult time after the sad passing of her much loved 15 year old daughter Alyssa.

Alyssa was initially diagnosed with glandular fever last June, a CT scan then revealed lumps on her liver and chest. Unfortunately, she was then diagnosed with an extremely rare condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) which caused the immune system to attack her body’s own tissues and organs, this was triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which had originally caused the glandular fever.

Fewer than 20 people have ever been diagnosed with Alyssas' immune condition, and she had had a bone marrow transplant in January which was the only cure.

Unfortunately, Alyssa developed lymphoma cancer aswell, which sadly did not respond to the chemotherapy treatment. The aggressive brain tumour resulted in Alyssa tragically passing away on Sunday 12th April.

Support is needed for funeral costs and Alyssa's siblings.

Alyssa's mum Louise, and partner Megan, have spent the last 10 months living at Manchester Royal hospital with Alyssa. They have been away from Alyssa's 2 younger brothers and 2 step-sisters.

There will be a long period of readjusting back to family life ahead of them all. Quality time, family trips and experiences as a family, will be much needed and very welcome as part of their ongoing, healing journey.