Schoolgirl with brain tumour who has had 20 operations hailed as inspiration

A schoolgirl who has endured a series of major operations has been hailed as an inspiration after picking up one of the first-ever awards to recognise youngsters in North Yorkshire’s Armed Forces communities.

Lyla O’ Donovan, 11, from Catterick, who has undergone 20 operations after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, was crowned “Inspirational Service Child of the Year” at North Yorkshire Council’s first-ever Service Children’s Awards.

The ceremony took place in the Garden Rooms of Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, shining a spotlight on the achievements and contributions of North Yorkshire’s service children and everyday heroes who help and inspire them.

The awards ceremony celebrated the extraordinary achievements and contributions of North Yorkshire’s service children and those everyday heroes who help and inspire them (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL)

Diagnosed with a rare brain tumour at just three years old, Lyla, who attends Le Cateau Community Primary School in Catterick Garrison, has become an inspirational figure despite the challenges she has faced.

After spending years in and out of hospital for treatment and major surgeries, Lyla has been fundraising and organising treats for seriously ill children across the country.

Her father, Paul O’Donovan, who is in the Army, says his daughter deserves this recognition.

He said: “Lyla is over the moon to win this award. Being a service child is so difficult at the best of times and this award makes that extra special.

“She faces so many challenges but in true Lyla spirit, she cracks on and always tries her best.

Lyla O’ Donovan, 11, from Catterick, who has undergone 20 operations after being diagnosed with a brain tumour (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL)

“We registered as a charity in 2021 so that we can help more families that have been affected the same way we have. We provide special days out, holidays and small wishes to children under 16.

“We have helped and supported thousands of children over the past few years and I am so proud of what Lyla is doing.”

He added: “It would have been easy for her to be sad and feel sorry for herself, but she didn’t. Instead, she has used her situation to help others and that is something we as a family are super proud of her and I thank North Yorkshire Council for honouring her courage and determination.”

There are 10,770 military personnel in North Yorkshire – one of the largest numbers nationally.

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There are currently 3,653 Service children in 223 schools across the county. Military children face challenges related to regularly moving home, deployments of serving parents and the impact of these challenges on their emotional well-being.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “We are proud to launch the first-ever Service Children’s Awards here in North Yorkshire. We feel it’s important that the children, young people and those who support them should be celebrated and that it is important to share their stories to inspire others.

“We had an amazing 92 children, young people and organisations nominated this year and after the difficult job of shortlisting, we had a total of nine outstanding winners. My congratulations to all those who were nominated and the winners.”