THE memory of a much-loved girl whose brave battle with cancer captured the hearts of the community will live on in a special festive celebration.

Lily-Mai Bishop and her family were supported by Acorns Children's Hospice throughout her four-year fight with a brain tumour.

The seven-year-old spent her final days at the charity’s hospice in Worcester which was one of her favourite places.

Lily-Mai’s mum Liz will be among those remembering someone special as part of Acorns Celebrate Your Star campaign.

And it’s Liz’s Christmas wish for people to join her and help the charity continue providing lifeline care and support for families like hers.

Liz said: “It’s important to me and my family that Lily’s memory is kept alive and supporting Acorns Celebrate Your Star campaign is one of the ways we remember Lily at Christmas. She loved coming Acorns, especially at Christmas, it was one of her favourite places."

Lily-Mai was diagnosed with a syndrome without a name – a condition so rare it remains undiagnosed. The diagnosis came with the prognosis that Lily-Mai was life limited.

Her complex condition meant she was unable to walk unaided or talk. She had acute gastric problems and an unsafe swallow, leaving her with a serious risk of choking.

Sghe was given a second devastating diagnosis of a brain tumour in July 2014.

Lily-Mai bravely fought her cancer for four years, enduring gruelling surgeries and treatment, facing each one with a smile. She passed away in June 2018.

Liz said: “I can’t thank Acorns enough for all their love and support during that time and afterwards.

“If we didn't have Acorns as part of our lives at that time, circumstances would have been very different. They were literally our family, our support network, and still are to this day.”

For each dedication made, a physical star will be hung on a Christmas tree at one of Acorns three hospices and one will be posted to the person paying tribute.

Anyone wishing to celebrate their star and support Acorns is encouraged to make their dedication before Thursday 16 December to ensure their stars are ready in time for the last Christmas post.