A BRAVE girl who has had more than 20 operations since she was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just 13-months-old took part in a charity walk for children at the weekend.

Jessica Duggan, four-years-old, joined 21 other children for the Daylight Walk, in Wooburn Green.

The walk was organised to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity and Jessica and her family were happy to take part.

Since her diagnosis, Jessica has had multiple operations, with the most recent in June lasting for more than eight hours.

And in 2011, her parents had to raise more than £30,000 to have her treated in America.

Jessica’s mum Sam Ward, 29, from Naphill, said: “When Jessica was diagnosed at 13 months, we heard those words no parent thinks they’ll ever hear; ‘We’re sorry but your child has a brain tumour’.

“It was the size of a golf ball pressing on her optic nerve. Our world fell apart.

“Jessica has had over 20 operations with the last one, lasting eight hours, in June. Three years ago our amazing family and friends helped us raise £30,000 to send her to the States for treatment.

“Our sweet, funny girl never complains and she always has a smile on her face. We’re so proud of her. One day she’d like to be a nurse.”

The Duggan family first heard of the walk from a Wooburn Green resident who decided to organise the event for younger children.

Entertainments consultant, Zoe Bourn, 35, decided to hold the walk for youngsters because her children were disappointed they could not join in a twilight stroll their mother was due to enter.

Mrs Bourn said: “The 10K route would have a bit much for their little legs, so we thought it would be a great way of raising awareness and money by having our own Daylight Walk for our kids and their friends.

“We had the first one last year but it snowballed this year. We had 22 children taking part in the walk on The Green. So far we’ve raised over £1,000.”

“We’re so happy Jessica took part,” she said.

Miss Ward added: “When I heard Zoe was organising The Daylight Walk, I thought it was a brilliant idea and knew Jess would love to take part.

“She had great fun with her friends and we’re happy we helped raise awareness and money for a cause which is very close to our hearts.”

To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/daylightwalk For more information about The Brain Tumour Charity, please visit www.thebraintumourcharity.org