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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Damien Edgar

Derry Girls child star, 4, diagnosed with 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.

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.”

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