Featured Image Credit: Family Handout/Channel 4
Topics: TV And Film, Derry Girls
Ali Condon
Child actress Zoe Brown, best known for her role in Channel 4's Derry Girls has been diagnosed with cancer.
The four-year-old played Erin Quinn's baby sister Anna Quinn in the hit comedy series Derry Girls, sharing the role with her twin sister Sophie.
In a fundraiser set up for Zoe's treatment, the young actress's family confirmed that she has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and her treatment has already caused her to lose her hair and affected her ability to walk.
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The fundraiser, which was set up with the initial goal of £500, has already earned over £6,800 in donations from friends, family and supporters at the time of writing.
A description of the fundraiser reads: "Zoe who is twin to Sophie, 4 years old, got a diagnosis in May that she has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
"It all happened so fast, she has had 3 blood transfusions then has had a bone marrow biopsy. Her treatment includes lots of different chemotherapy drugs.
"The side affects of all these drugs are brutal, she can barely walk at the minute and has lost all her hair.
"It's a long road ahead so with the help of our community we can all come together and do what we can to help the family.
"On Sunday 3rd of July we are holding a fundraiser to raise funds for Zoe and her family to help ease the pain of what they are all going through."
Zoe's mum Leah also spoke to Belfast Live about the devastating diagnosis, recalling: "I think I was just in a daze. I still sort of am, to be honest.
"I didn't have time to process it, to let it sink in, as the treatment started the next day.
"She's been in theatre so many times, she gets lumbar punctures to put chemo in her spinal fluid as well and that's done under anaesthetic.
"You never think your child is going to be in theatre at all and the last seven weeks, she has been in loads of times."
Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee has also acknowledged the fundraiser, sharing a link with her fans on Twitter to encourage donations for Zoe's treatment.
She wrote: "Little Zoe and her sister played Baby Anna in #DerryGirls. There’s a link to a fundraiser in this article. Please consider donating if you can."
Fans of Lisa and the comedy series replied with their messages of love and support for little Zoe.
"Terrible news hope there is appropriate medical care for her. we wish the family a lot of strength," tweeted one follower.
"Little Angel! I will make a small donation for sure. Love and prayers for her and her family," wrote another.
"Most bravest little superstar," commented a third.
You can donate to Zoe's fundraiser here.