Parents of Halling girl who died from rare brain cancer aged seven launch fundraiser for riverside memorial

A grieving family want to erect a carved wooden throne at the “perfect” river spot in memory of their “incredible” daughter who died after battling rare and aggressive brain cancer.

Sofia Le Brunn-Healey, from Halling near Rochester, died at home on March 31, with her parents by her side aged just seven.

The diagnosis came in November 2023, just weeks after her baby sister Bea was born.

Doctors confirmed a high-grade glioma, a fast-growing and rare tumour affecting the brain.

“Sofia loved the river, the ocean, dragonflies, butterflies, shells, so much,” said her mum, Alyce Le Brunn-Healey, 37, who works as an assistant head teacher.

Her final resting place is under a tree in the village churchyard, not far from the river where she spent her many of her “happiest days”.

A butterfly fixed to the branches marks the spot.

The family, who live close to the river in Halling, near the old Bishop’s Palace, where Sofia often ran with her friends after school.

Known for her kindness, wit and bravery, she was a pupil at Halling Primary School, and even during treatment, insisted on attending class as often as possible.

“She never complained, not once,” Alyce added.

“She was incredible, proud of everything she went through, the surgery, the chemo, even her fertility operation.

“With dignity she told the kids at school about it. She was incredible.”

Her parents, Alyce and Rob Le Brunn-Healey, 38, a commercial manager, are now leading a community project called The Bluebell Circle to raise £30,000 for a carved wooden throne at the riverside play area where Sofia spent many of her happiest days.

Designed by a local artist and children from her school, the seat will feature British wildlife, a hedgehog, butterflies and the Little Bear constellation, representing Sofia’s seven years and favourite number.

Alyce believes it is important to remember her daughter not through sorrow, but through the light and energy she brought and still brings to others.

“She gives us wings, like a butterfly,” added Alyce.

“Not shadows that darken our lives, but something that lifts us, that reminds us to live fully and keep going.”

Alyce and Rob say they want their younger children Freddie, five and Bea, two, to grow up “carried” by Sofia’s wings and memory, not weighed down by her absence.

The throne is just the first phase.

Plans are also being drawn up to improve the small riverside park with better equipment and seating, so more children can enjoy the space safely.

A fundraising Bank Holiday Funday will be held at Newtown Social Club in Halling on August 24 from 12pm to 4pm.

The event will feature games, live music, food, and raffles, with all proceeds going towards The Bluebell Circle memorial project for Sofia.

A Lights of Remembrance Walk will take place on November 22, the day after Sofia’s birthday, with fireworks launched from across the river.

To donate or get involved, visit www.thebluebellcircle.org or scan the QR code below.

“If we can give her that, something lasting, something joyful, then we’ll know we did something right,” said Alyce.

“It’s the perfect spot to pay a lasting tribute.”

The project is being supported by neighbours, parents, local artists and the parish council.

Eight pupils from Halling Primary will also have their designs engraved on a plaque as part of the final memorial.