Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Damien Edgar

Belfast child who starred in Derry Girls battling leukaemia

A child star of hit comedy Derry Girls has been undergoing chemotherapy and treatment after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

Zoe Brown, along with twin sister Sophie, played baby Anna Quinn in episodes of season two and three of the show.

The four-year-old is now being treated for the form of cancer, with mum Leah Brown saying Zoe is "still smiling" despite all she's going through.

Read more: Northern Ireland child's brave cancer fight inspires World Record attempt

The Belfast child was diagnosed with leukaemia seven weeks ago after her mum noticed she was looking pale and took her to the doctors.

Since then, she has received multiple bone marrow biopsies and has started a course of chemotherapy alongside other steroid treatments.

"I think I was just in a daze, I still sort of am to be honest," Leah told Belfast Live.

"I didn't have time to process it, to let it sink in, as the treatment started the next day (after the first biopsy).

"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."

The Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee said she had been saddened to hear about Zoe's poor health.

“I am so sorry Zoe is going through this," she said.

"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.”

Zoe's mum Leah said other children going through the same treatment were lovely to Zoe (Supplied)

The side effects of Zoe's treatment plan meant she has sadly lost much of her hair, which her mum says was an adjustment.

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

"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."

Leah said Zoe has continued to make everyone in the family smile even throughout the tough times she's facing.

"Zoe has just been amazing, she's so resilient," she said.

Zoe with mum Leah before starting her treatment (Supplied)

"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."

Leah, who works with a mortgage company has had to give up her work in the meantime to focus on looking after Zoe as she goes through the punishing run of treatment.

Zoe with her twin sister Sophie (Supplied)

With that in mind, a family friend has set up a fundraiser to try and help the family in their time of need.

"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.

Zoe is too weak to walk, with mum Leah carrying her a lot of the time (Supplied)

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

It's hoped Zoe can attend school in the new year - she had been due to start this September.

"Sophie (Zoe's twin) will be starting P1 on her own, which is sad as well," said Leah.

"You never think it's going to happen, you have little twin girls and they're starting primary school and Sophie's going on her own now."

Leah said her only focus now is on making sure Zoe has every chance to get well again.

Read more: Belfast mum Sara McKenzie making "living list" memories as she battles incurable cancer

Read more: Family devastated after teenage son's suspected fever was actually a rare blood cancer

To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.