Oct 14 2012 by Neil McKay, Sunday Sun

Kayleigh Cordiner with mum Anna

THE legacy of a tragic toddler who died months after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour lives on with a charity established to help other families with terminally ill children.

And on Saturday night the memory of Kayleigh Cordiner, two, will be honoured in her mum’s home town of Peterlee, County Durham.

Kayleigh, of Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, fell asleep peacefully at home in the arms of parents Jonathan and Anna in June this year.

The couple’s “loved and treasured” daughter was taken into hospital for tests when she fell ill last year.

Just after Christmas she was diagnosed with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour, a rare brain cancer. Doctors told the devastated parents there was nothing they could do to save their daughter. Jonathan and Anna decided to make the most of the time they had left with Kayleigh.

As well as organising special day trips for her, the couple set up a charity – Kayleigh’s Wee Stars – to help families with terminally ill children make the most of their remaining time.

Now friends of the family in Peterlee have organised a fundraising night in her memory.

Primary school teacher Anna, who is originally from Peterlee, but now lives with her husband in Scotland, said: “We made it our mission to make Kayleigh’s final few months the most special time of our lives, packed full of adventure and memories we would cherish forever. We wanted to set up the trust to support families of children who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness to make the most of the precious time ahead.”

The charity night is being organised by family friends Caroline and Barry Simpson and John and Emma Wilson, all from Peterlee. It is being held at the Hearts of Oak pub in Oakerside Drive on Saturday, October 20, and will include music from local bands and musicians, a disco, a raffle and an auction.

Local businesses donating prizes on the evening include Denis Dowen Estate Agents, Nissan, Matalan, Tesco, Sunderland AFC, Continental Chef Supplies and Vue Cinema, while catering specialist AJ’s in Peterlee is providing the buffet on the night.