Derry Girls Actor Zoe Brown Has Been Diagnosed With Leukaemia

Derry Girls actor Zoe Brown has been diagnosed with leukaemia aged four. Zoe and her twin sister Sophie starred as Erin Quinn's little sister Anna.

Zoe's mum Leah Brown told Belfast Live: "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."

Leah says her young daughter is concerned about losing her hair following the treatment.

Channel 4

Leah said: "I know that's not the main concern, but it's the saddest wee bit for her.

"Zoe just had the longest, thickest hair and it was the first thing anyone talked about when they saw her.

"We met other little girls up at the children's ward and they're beautiful and so lovely, they have no hair either, but they've made her feel better about the whole thing.

"It's amazing up there though, it really is, the consultants and nurses are absolutely brilliant.

"Zoe has just been amazing, she's so resilient. She's laughing and smiling, it's heart-breaking, but she's been amazing.

"She's learned to swallow her tablets and even when the nurses come near her, she just lets them work away.

"It's just crazy the amount that she's been through and the amount that she's going to have to go through."

The family has since set up a fundraiser for Zoe.

Channel 4

Her mum added: "I'm just overwhelmed by everyone's help and support, everyone has been so kind and wanting to help.

"It's just unbelievable, people are just amazing, they really, really are.

"I can't work at the minute, I've no option, I thought at the start I might be able to work from home.

"But I didn't realise how intense the treatment was for leukaemia, it's going to be in phases, chemo and treatment up until Christmas time.

"Then for two years after that she'll have chemo and treatment, which won't be as intense, it's called maintenance."

Lisa McGee, creator of the Channel 4 sitcom, showed her support and wrote: "I am so sorry Zoe is going through this.

"She’s the most wonderful little girl and we are lucky to have her as part of our Derry Girls family.

"I’m sending her and her family strength and love."