THE family of a 14-month-old girl suffering from cancer have praised a community trying to raise her quality of life.
Brianne Tattersall-Underwood was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged just three months in November 2011.
Her mother Jade Tattersall-Underwood and her partner, Dean Haywood, are currently out of work, so residents across Sneinton have joined in with fund-raising activities aimed at providing the specialist equipment and toys Brianne needs.
Jade was a carer at a private care home, having trained at Castle College, but left after struggling to work during pregnancy. Dean was a warehouse operative and quit following Brianne's diagnosis.
Jade said she and her partner had not returned to work, in order to care for their daughter.
The 24-year-old of Colwick Road said: "We are just trying to spend as much time with her as possible as we don't know if she will be here tomorrow.
"We have to take every day as it comes."
A target of £1,000 has been set by fundraisers who have organised a wide variety of events including a coach day out, concerts and a table-top sale.
Miss Tattersall-Underwood said: "I'm shocked. I didn't think people cared these days, but it is so nice to know they do."
The sheer size of Brianne's tumour meant it would be impossible to fully remove it without incapacitating her almost entirely.
She has had regular chemotherapy for around a year but the treatment is only just keeping the cancer at bay.
Kevin Hallam, licensee of the Vine Inn, in Handel Street, has orchestrated the fund-raising.
He said: "Originally we were just going to do a family night and try to raise some money, but the whole thing has snowballed.
"We organised a trip to Blackpool and raised £555."
The pub has also arranged country and western evenings and another pub, the Wheatsheaf, held a car boot sale.
Mr Hallam added: "Everyone involved has been brilliant.
"With it being a baby, there's a certain amount of pulling on the heartstrings. We need to give Brianne a better quality of life while she is with us."
Future events lined up include a pyjama party and a fancy dress night at the Vine Inn.
Brianne's grandmother Maxine Tattersall said: "There's been a lot of heartache and it makes me feel awful to see my daughter and grand-daughter suffering.
"The community have done so much, they are fantastic."
