Brave animal-lover Lydia’s zoo ambition
Animal-lover Lydia Griffiths has always dreamed of becoming a zookeeper – and after the nine-year-old was diagnosed with leukaemia her family has embarked on a mission to make her dream come true.
The brave youngster, who attends the Grange Primary School in Shrewsbury, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in August, just four days after her ninth birthday.
Her mother, Sarah Griffiths, 37, from Heath Farm, said initially doctors believed Lydia was simply suffering from growing pains.
But since her daughter’s diagnosis she has set up a Facebook group called ‘Lydia’s Dream’, which has attracted nearly 1,500 followers.
The group’s aim is to help Lydia achieve her dream of becoming a zookeeper for the day and to raise cash for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Mrs Griffiths said: “Lydia has always been a very active child, so when she started complaining of aches and pains, I just put it down to growing pains.
After Lydia woke up crying from pain on the evening of her ninth birthday, Sarah took her daughter to another doctor for a second opinion.
Following tests, she was transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where consultants said she was suffering from cancer.
On Saturday, a fun day will take place at the Eileen Sandford Community Centre in Harlescott, to raise cash for the cause.
The event will run from 2.30pm.