A THORNBURY charity has launched a Christmas appeal to help raise vital funds.

Brain Tumour Support, a charity helping brain tumour patients and their families has launched Stars for Support.

Volunteers have knitted Christmas tree decorations in the form of stars. Every time a donation for a star is received, Brain Tumour Support will hang a star on a tree in their office.

The Star for Support can be dedicated in the name of someone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.

"Whether in support or celebration, in memory or in tribute, it is a simple and personal gesture which will also help us to help others," said Tina Mitchell Skinner, founder and CEO of Brain Tumour Support.

"Our charity relies entirely on donations and we hope that the people of Thornbury will get behind our campaign and help us achieve our vision that no one should feel alone when facing a brain tumour diagnosis."

The girl in the photo is five-year-old Lyla. At three years old, after two years of debilitating symptoms, she was diagnosed with a low-grade, but very large, brain tumour. Since then her life, and that of her parents and siblings, has been a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions.

Lyla endured a 15-hour operation to remove her tumour, and since then has had to deal with further surgery, infections, side effects from steroids, painful physiotherapy, seizures, and even battled meningitis.

Visit braintumoursupport.co.uk/stars to find out more and order your Stars for Support. The charity is also selling Christmas cards and other gifts on its website.