Ashford mum whose daughter died aged 3 thanks Paul Hollywood and community for supporting Sarcoma UK fundraiser

A mum who lost her three-year-old daughter to cancer has thanked those helping with fundraising efforts, including celebrity chef Paul Hollywood.

Jennie Boyle-Bryant and her husband Mike Bryant have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support they have received since little Alyssia Rose died in January.

The “inspiring” youngster, who lived in Bethersden, near Ashford, with her parents and little brother Alex, was first diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma at just seven months old.

Alyssia was given just six to 18 months to live but exceeded all expectations after bravely undergoing more than 20 rounds of chemotherapy.

Although an MRI scan in April 2023 showed Alyssia was in remission – with cancer unable to be detected anymore – a suspected chest infection in January led to the heartbreaking news her tumours had returned with such aggression they were now suffocating her airways.

‘Lissy Bear’, as she was affectionately called by her parents, died shortly after.

Jennie, who has been a stay-at-home mum to ensure her daughter had the best care possible, told KentOnline: “It's one of those cancers where we were told that it's a really cruel one. You always think that you're past it and you beat it.

“Yet it always comes back with a vengeance. That's what it did.

“But she was just so inspiring to a lot of people.

“Even at her funeral, she had so many of the nurses and the doctors come because they said she was always so happy and smiling, even while she was having chemotherapy.”

Spurred on by the death of their eldest child, Jennie and Mike set about raising money for Sarcoma UK – a charity helping those with the same type of cancer as Alyssia.

The most recent fundraiser was a football tournament held by Smarden FC on July 13, which raised £1,186 for the charity pot. There are hopes it will become an annual event.

Alyssia shared her dad’s passion for football and was described by her family as a “future Lioness”.

Jennie, 34, said: “She just loved being outside, anything outdoors.

“I don't know whether it's because she spent most of her life in hospitals but she loved being sporty or outdoors.

“She was also very keen on horses. I used to have one and they were best friends.

“So we just want to keep her spirit alive with all the things that we can think of.”

While many have contributed to the fundraising efforts, awareness was boosted after Paul Hollywood and his wife Melissa offered their support.

In a message shared on social media, the 58-year-old Great British Bake Off star wished all those taking part in the football tournament good luck.

He added: “Raise as much money as you can.”

Jennie and Mike were both delighted to receive the message, which came thanks to their friendship with Melissa.

“We asked if he could show any support and luckily he shared that video,” said Jennie.

“Everybody is supporting us which we’re so grateful and thankful for.

“We always were in the area because Mike used to live there and his parents still do so everyone is aware of our story.”

Overall, the fundraiser – which can be accessed here – has seen more than £4,000 donated and the family have no intention of slowing down.

“It’s her story and we want to build that and see how much we can raise in her name,” said Jennie.