Reality television star Amy Childs has made an emotional appeal to her followers after her cousin’s infant daughter, Lila Brincat, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. The five-month-old is currently fighting against an Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumour (AT/RT), a condition that primarily affects children aged three and under. The diagnosis has prompted Childs to reach out to her community in search of support for the family.
On March 4, 2025, Childs shared a heartfelt message with her more than one million Instagram followers, urging them to assist her cousin Hannah Brincat in raising funds for Lila’s medical expenses. Lila was diagnosed when she was just three weeks old, leading to a swift and challenging medical journey for the family.
Childs highlighted the urgency of the situation by sharing a screenshot of the fundraising page on JustGiving, where she wrote, “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.”
Lila’s journey began with a nine-hour surgery to remove the tumour, followed by chemotherapy treatments that commenced when she was merely five weeks old. Despite undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, the family received devastating news when an MRI scan revealed that the tumour had returned. Hannah expressed her heartbreak in a recent update, stating, “Unfortunately, after six 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 Brincat family’s lives have been profoundly affected by Lila’s diagnosis. Hannah shared that she spent four months living in the hospital, separated from her other three children, before recently relocating to a children’s hospice. “Our lives have been turned upside down, and we are devastated,” she lamented.
Despite the challenges, the family remains hopeful. They have reached out to an oncologist in Toronto who specializes in research related to AT/RT, seeking a second opinion on potential treatment options. Hannah commented, “We have no idea if there are any options for us, what they could be, and how much it might cost.”
In setting the fundraising goal, which has been surpassed, the family aimed to prepare for any potential treatments that may arise. Hannah assured supporters that any funds not used for Lila’s care would be donated to charities that have provided support during this difficult time.
By the time of publication, the JustGiving campaign had surpassed its initial target of £25,000, suggesting that Childs’ appeal resonated widely. The story has sparked an outpouring of support online, with many social media users offering prayers and messages of encouragement. One user wrote, “Oh please dear lord Jesus heal this beautiful child,” while another commented, “Sending positive thoughts.”
Amy Childs, now a mother of four, has shared snippets of her own parenting journey publicly. She welcomed twins in April 2023 and has two older children from previous relationships. Notably, she has been private about her son, Ritchie, choosing not to feature him on social media or reality shows until he is old enough to make that decision himself.
As the Brincat family navigates this harrowing experience, Amy Childs continues to advocate for her cousin’s daughter, shining a light on the challenges faced by families dealing with childhood cancer. Lila’s story and the family’s fight have touched many, highlighting the importance of community support in times of crisis.
