You could help bring joy to a poorly toddler’s life - simply by sending her a birthday card.
Four-year-old Tillie Mae Aird, from Ellesmere Port, was diagnosed with Wilms tumour, a cancer of the kidney, in December, after going to hospital with what her parents Rachel and Jason initially thought was a water infection.
Since then she has undergone chemotherapy each week at Alder Hey and has had major surgery to remove her affected kidney.
Because she’s had such a tough time, her parents want to make sure Tillie’s upcoming fifth birthday is as special as possible, and are asking the public to show their support by sending her a birthday card and giving her as many happy memories as possible.
She will celebrate her big day on July 21 with a special birthday party at Bubbles’ World of Play in New Brighton the day before – and has asked for ‘lots of surprises’.
Rachel said: “We want to make Tillie’s fifth birthday extra special by making lots of positive memories, from a very tough time in her life.
“We also hope that sharing Tillie’s story with people that don’t know us can help bring awareness of kidney cancers, particular Wilms tumours, and how it’s not just a case of removing the kidney/tumour and getting on with your life, it’s a long journey to recovery.
"Tillie has gone through more than any four-year-old should and something as simple as a birthday card would make her feel so special.”
Wilms’ Tumour is a type of kidney cancer in children which most commonly affects children under the age of five.
Rachel contacted Bubbles to ask if she could privately hire the soft play centre because Tillie has a high chance of infection in public spaces – and the play centre responded by inviting Tillie and 40 of her friends to use the whole facility for free.
To send a card to Tillie, write to: Tillie Mae Aird, Bubbles’ World of Play, Marine Point, Kings Parade, New Brighton, CH45 2PB. Alternatively, you can drop the cards off at the soft play centre.
Weasel and the Bug on Watergate Street is also collecting cards and will take them to Bubbles.
Owner Katie Jones said: "We would love to help and deliver cards as we want to help bring a little sparkle and make her dreams come true, after all childhood is a wonderful gift! We will even be dropping a present off from ourselves."
And you can also show your support on social media with the hashtag #TilliesBirthday.
