THE mother of a six-year-old who battled a terminal brain tumour has spoken out about the "desperate underfunding" of research into the disease.

Jessica Green died on April 1 last year after battling a terminal brain tumour for three years.

The Little Lever youngster was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma – an aggressive, inoperable brain tumour – in March 2011 at the age of three.

Since the youngster died her parents, family and friends have continued her fight by fundraising for The Jessica Green Fund, which raises awareness and cash for the Brain Tumour Charity.

Jessica's mum Lisa McLoughlin said: “When Jessica was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma we searched home and abroad for a cure, but we were devastated to learn that there had been no advances in treatment in over 50 years.

“We have now teamed up with the Brain Tumour Charity because we want to help to fund research into this area.

“We also want to raise awareness of this debilitating disease, which is so desperately underfunded.”

Lisa's friend Cath Tickle is Bury Clinical Commissioning Group's (CCG) commissioning manager and has rounded up colleagues to race the 10km Great Manchester Run this May as 'Team Jessica'.

Medical workers, including Prestwich GP Dr Jeff Schryer, are set to lace up their trainers.

Dr Schryer said: “Although I didn’t know Jessica personally, I was heartened by her story and didn’t hesitate to sign up to run with Cath and the team.

"Raising money for a good cause whilst hopefully getting fit in the process, has got to be a win win situation.”

Dr Schryer, who is also a clinical director and mental health lead for Bury CCG, added: “In addition to raising money for research, Jessica’s parents are really keen that other mums and dads are aware of the main signs and symptoms of a brain tumour.

“Symptoms are many and can vary, but could include fits, a severe persistent headache, drowsiness, unexpected vomiting and partial loss of vision or hearing.

“It is important to see your GP if you develop a persistent and severe headache with no obvious cause, especially if you also have unexpected vomiting.”

To sponsor Team Jessica, text PMUD47 and a donation amount to 70070 or go to justgiving.com/prettymuddygirls47