THE parents of little battler Mercy Cuthbertson have spoken of their pride now her legacy will live on with a charity set up in her memory.
Before the six-year-old died in May from a rare and inoperable brain tumour, she captured the hearts of the nation.
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Generous Sun on Sunday readers helped smash a £100,000 fundraising target for her medical treatment, care and specialist equipment.
Mum and dad Paul and Lorraine set up Mercy’s Mighty Foundation after she died, and it has now been officially recognised by the Charity Commission.
Lorraine, 44, from North Tyneside, said: “Mercy was very emotionally intelligent. Even when she was being treated at the hospital, she would share her craft materials with the other kids.
“Mercy would have loved the thought she was helping other children and that her face was on stickers and banners. She’d have been in her element.
“We are delighted the foundation has been officially recognised. We are creating a legacy that’s going to help other children like Mercy.”
In the summer of 2023, Mercy’s parents, who are both officers with Northumbria Police noticed she had suddenly stopped “racing” around the family home, suffering dizzy spells and and feeling tired.
Chief Inspector Lorraine and Paul, 52, a constable, took their daughter to the GP.
Mercy was referred for tests, which revealed she had an aggressive diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumour. It affects 20 to 30 children in Britain a year.
While undergoing three surgeries, 28 radiotherapy sessions and intense physiotherapy, Mercy remained positive and would still light up the room with her infectious laugh.
But Mercy died in her parents’ arms on May 19.
Grief-stricken Lorraine and Paul vowed to help other young brain tumour patients.
They now run Mercy’s Mighty Foundation with a trustee and lead fundraiser Elizabeth Biggins.
Through fun days, sponsored runs and JustGiving donations, they have raised a further £12,500 since Mercy died.
Among the children who have already benefited is five-year-old Teddy, who was diagnosed with a DIPG brain tumour in April.
The charity sent the little boy a Dream Box filled with Mercy’s favourite crafts, Smyths vouchers, and a teddy bear to reward his courage during radiotherapy.
Esme, nine, who has had surgery after being diagnosed with a brain tumour on June 10, has also received a box.
Lorraine thanked Sun on Sunday readers for their generous donations.
She said: “Every penny donated by readers makes a difference and will go to the foundation.”
See mercysmightyfoundation.org/ to donate.
