Amy Childs Appeals for Support as Baby Cousin Fights Cancer

Reality television star Amy Childs has made an emotional appeal for support after her five-month-old cousin, Lila Brincat, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour. The diagnosis has prompted Childs to urge her social media followers to contribute to a fundraising campaign aimed at securing Lila’s treatment.

On March 4, 2025, Childs shared her cousin Hannah Brincat‘s plea on Instagram, encouraging her more than one million followers to donate or help spread the word. Lila’s diagnosis of Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumour (AT/RT), a highly aggressive cancer affecting children aged three and younger, was revealed shortly after her birth.

Hannah Brincat detailed her daughter’s harrowing journey on the fundraising platform JustGiving. Lila was diagnosed when she was just three weeks old, leading to an extensive medical battle that began with a nine-hour surgery to remove the tumour and subsequent chemotherapy treatments starting at five weeks. Despite initial hopes, an MRI scan after six rounds of chemotherapy indicated that the tumour had returned, leaving the family devastated.

“Unfortunately, we were told that treatment would not continue and we were out of options,” Hannah shared, reflecting on the emotional turmoil faced by the family. The diagnosis has dramatically altered their lives, forcing Hannah to spend four months in hospital away from her other three children before the family relocated to a children’s hospice just over two weeks ago.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the family remains determined. Hannah has reached out to an oncologist in Toronto who specializes in research related to AT/RT, seeking a second opinion on potential treatment options. “We have no idea if there are any options for us, what they could be and how much it might cost us,” she explained.

The family set an initial fundraising goal of £25,000, a figure that they hope will provide a safety net should treatment options arise. Hannah reassured potential donors that, should their fundraising efforts not yield the desired outcome, the funds would be donated to charities that have supported them during this difficult time.

As of now, the campaign has surpassed its fundraising goal, indicating a strong response from the public. Supporters have flooded social media with messages of hope and encouragement. “Oh please dear lord jesus heal this beautiful child,” one user commented, while another shared, “Sending positive thoughts.”

Amy Childs, who is also a mother of four, expressed her heartfelt connection to Lila’s struggle. Having welcomed twins in April 2023, she has often shared her journey as a parent, including the decision to keep her son Ritchie out of the public eye for his privacy.

In this time of crisis, Amy’s dedication to Lila underscores the profound impact of community support in facing medical challenges. Lila’s story has resonated with many, highlighting both the fragility of life and the strength of familial bonds as the family navigates this difficult journey together.