Reality television star Amy Childs has made an emotional appeal to her followers on social media, urging them to support her cousin’s infant daughter, Lila, who is facing a devastating diagnosis of cancer. The five-month-old was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour known as Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumour (AT/RT), which affects children aged three and younger.
On March 4, 2025, Childs shared her message with over one million Instagram followers, emphasizing the urgent need for support in the fundraising campaign spearheaded by her cousin, Hannah Brincat. “Please, if you can, help support my cousin’s beautiful daughter Lila. She’s fighting so hard and every donation makes a difference. Even sharing this means a lot. Thank you all so much,” she wrote.
The family’s ordeal began shortly after Lila’s birth. She was diagnosed with AT/RT at just three weeks old, leading to an intense medical battle. The young girl underwent a nine-hour surgery to remove the tumour, followed by chemotherapy that started when she was only five weeks old. Despite the rigorous treatment, an MRI scan revealed that the tumour has returned after six rounds of chemotherapy, leaving the family with few options.
Brincat expressed the family’s devastation, stating, “Unfortunately, after 6 rounds of chemotherapy, an MRI showed the tumour has returned. We were told that treatment would not continue and we were out of options.” The diagnosis has dramatically altered their lives, with Brincat spending four months in the hospital separated from her other three children before moving to a children’s hospice just over two weeks ago.
In the face of these challenges, Lila’s family remains determined. Brincat has sought a second opinion from an oncologist in Toronto, who specializes in AT/RT research. She noted the uncertainty surrounding potential treatment options and associated costs, saying, “We have no idea if there are any options for us, what they could be and how much it might cost us.”
The family’s initial fundraising goal was set at £25,000, a figure they hoped would prepare them for any potential treatments that might arise. They have reassured donors that if their efforts do not yield a solution, any remaining funds will be donated to charities that have supported them during this difficult time. As of now, the fundraiser has surpassed its goal, signaling the impact of Childs’ heartfelt plea.
The story has resonated widely, prompting an outpouring of support on social media. Users have flooded the comments with prayers and messages of hope for Lila. One user wrote, “Oh please dear lord jesus heal this beautiful child,” while another expressed, “Sending positive thoughts.” The community’s response highlights the compassion surrounding this heart-wrenching situation.
In addition to her advocacy for Lila, Amy Childs is also a mother of four. She welcomed twins, a boy named Billy River and a girl named Amelia Mae, with her fiancé Billy Delbosq in April 2023. Childs has two older children, Polly and Ritchie, from previous relationships. Despite being frequently visible on social media, her son Ritchie is less present, a decision made jointly with his father to allow him to choose his level of public exposure in the future.
Childs’ current focus remains on Lila, a young girl whose fight has captured the attention and hearts of many. As the family navigates this painful journey, they continue to seek hope and support in their time of need.
