THE GRIEVING grandmother of a brain injured little girl who lost her battle for life after contracting pneumonia is planning one last fund-raising effort in memory of the brave tot.

Lois Thornber, of Ratcliffe Street, Darwen, says the family have been overwhelmed with kindness since Lauren died.

She started a campaign in the town called Give Lauren A Chance, which brought in thousands of pounds to help improve the two-and-a-half year-old's quality of life by helping to pay for treatment and equipment.

It was supported by celebrities such as former Blackburn Rovers player Colin Hendry and Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh.

Lauren, who suffered from severe epilepsy and brain injuries, died in the arms of her parents, Dale and Nadine and little brother Corrie, at their home in Comrie, Scotland, earlier this month.

Dale left Darwen a few years ago to work as a chef at Kinfaunce Castle as a head chef, but was forced to leave after Lauren became ill.

Now, Lois plans to hold her last fund-raising effort at Darwen Gala on Saturday. Proceeds from the tombola stall will go to another brain-injured tot, Thalia Jones, three, from Manchester, who was undergoing therapy at the British Institute for Brain Injured Children at the same time as Lauren.

"We would like to thank all our relatives, friends and neighbours for their many cards of sympathy, floral tributes and support with the fund-raising," said Lois.

"Everybody is still devastated by Lauren's death, but I am going to do this one last event at the gala in memory of Lauren and for her little friend."

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