Friends, family and social media influencers have rallied to support an Irvine childminder diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Sam Gibson, 31, received the devastating news earlier this year but the outpouring of love for the mother-of-two has been ‘overwhelming’.

A side-effect of the malignant tumour means Sam suffers from seizures meaning she cannot work.

Her husband, Alan, 31, has had to take leave from work to care for the couple’s two girls, Amelia, aged three, and Emily Rose, who is 19 months.

While Sam awaits treatment, the family have been left without financial support.

Sam’s sister, Amanda McAtee, said: “People see the smiling faces on social media and, although Sam is extremely positive, this is unfortunately not always the reality.”

Harper Byres, a seven-year-old that Sam looked after before lockdown and her diagnosis, is doing a sponsored cycle for her ‘best friend’.

Harper’s mum, Tina, said: “Harper only stopped going to Sam when Sam began taking seizures and couldn’t drive, then we got the sad news about the brain tumour.

“We asked how we could help, what we could do.”

Along with raffles organised by Harper’s older sister Elle, 15, the family have raised over £2,000 to support Sam.

Harper hopes to complete her 15km on July 4. She said: “I love Sam so much. She is my best friend and if my legs get sore I am going to keep going so the doctors can make Sam all better and I can go back to her house.”

Sam said: “I am beyond speechless and proud of them all especially my wee Harper.”

Sam has also had help from social media influencers Mrs Hinch and Mario Mcknight.

Mario, a friend of the childminder’s, told his followers about Sam’s situation.

He said: “Sam you are a fighter. The strength you’ve shown us all through this news has been unbelievable and I’m in awe of you.”

Instagram cleaning star, Mrs Hinch shared Sam’s story with her 3.5m followers and said it ‘broke her heart’.

A fundraiser set up by Sam’s friend, Steph Grayston, has raised almost £6,000.

Steph said: “Sam and I have been best friends since primary school, we’re more like sisters.

“The news was devastating for everyone. He mum and Alan have had to stay at home to look after her.

“I’m overwhelmed by the donations. It shows how much everyone loves Sam. She is the best and she has always been there for me.”

Another of Sam’s friends, Alexandra has also been fundraising for the family organising bonus balls.

Alexandra’s sister Natalie, sadly passed away unexpectedly in 2017 due to a cyst on her brain.

Sam said: “We are a close group of friends. That adds to the emotion for us all. Natalie is sorely missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.

Sam said what has happened hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but she wants to thank every single person who has contributed and sent messages of support.

She said: “These are really keeping us going.”

You can support Sam and her family by donating to the fundraiser at gf.me/u/x694yi

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