A FUNDRAISER has been set up to support the family of an eight-year-old girl who passed away following a battle with a rare genetic disorder.

Lily-Mae Oldham, from Witney, was born with Rett syndrome – a genetic disorder which affects brain development, resulting in severe mental and physical disability.

It is estimated to affect about one in 12,000 girls born each year and is only rarely seen in boys.

Lily-Mae died on Friday, September 24 and a family friend who also acted as her personal care assistant is hoping to help Lily-Mae’s family with funeral costs.

Oxford Mail: A fundraiser has been set up to support the family of Lily-Mae Oldham. Picture supplied by familyA fundraiser has been set up to support the family of Lily-Mae Oldham. Picture supplied by family

Kate Squires worked at Springfield School, a special needs school in Witney, as a teaching assistant and met Lily-Mae whilst employed there.

She said: “I’ve been involved in her daily life throughout and she meant a lot to me.

“I was spending so much time with the family outside of my care work and then stopped doing the care work a couple of years ago, but continued with her support at school.

“We’re heartbroken and although we knew her life was going to be short, we didn’t expect it to be this short.

“She needed care in every aspect of her life as she had very complicated medical needs.”

There is usually no family history of Rett syndrome, meaning it is not passed from one generation to the next.

Almost all cases – more than 99 per cent – are spontaneous, with the gene mutation occurring randomly.

There is no cure for Rett syndrome therefore treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.

Oxford Mail: A fundraiser has been set up to support the family of Lily-Mae Oldham. Picture supplied by familyA fundraiser has been set up to support the family of Lily-Mae Oldham. Picture supplied by family

Mrs Squires said: “Her needs were so complicated, Rett syndrome affected every part of her life.

“She couldn’t sit up by herself and she was fed through tubes – she didn’t speak but she would laugh and had this amazing smile.

“She captured your heart as she relied so much on you and even though she couldn’t talk, she had an amazing sense of humour.

“She was so amazing, she fought so hard for a whole eight years which is why it’s such a shock for us.”

Mrs Squires is now hoping to raise enough money to support Lily-Mae’s family and cover the costs of a funeral.

“Her mum is going through the worst thing that any parent can go through so I just wanted to do something to ease the burden,” said Mrs Squires.

“It’s in my nature to help and she was a very special little girl who deserves a big send off.

“It would mean a lot to me and the family to know the community is behind us at this time.”

To donate, please visit: gofundme.com/f/for-lilymae