Parents of tragic teen cry out to raise awareness of disease which killed their daughter

The parents of a tragic teenager are crying out to people across Nottinghamshire to be more aware of the disease which killed their daughter.
Lisa Slaney, at the Festival Hall where she are organising a fundraiser in memory of her daughter Corah.Lisa Slaney, at the Festival Hall where she are organising a fundraiser in memory of her daughter Corah.
Lisa Slaney, at the Festival Hall where she are organising a fundraiser in memory of her daughter Corah.

Lisa and Carl Slaney, of Victoria Road, Kirkby, lost their 17-year-old daughter, Corah, to mitrochondrial disease last July.

Corah, a former Ashfield School pupil and keen singer, died at King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton after more than six months battling with the terminal illness which gives sufferers constant convulsions and seizures.

Her parents are now trying to spread the word as far as they can to raise awareness and help people detect the disease in it’s earlier stages.

Lisa said: “We found out Corah had the illness when it was in a very strong stage.

“If I’d have known earlier, I would have given up work.

“I would have helped her do everything she wanted to do.

“So we want people to know about this disease in Corah’s name - we want to get people talking about it like people talk about cancer.

“It is such a devastating disease, just as cancer is, and people need to know about it.”

One of the ways they are raising awareness is through a fundraising concert.

They are calling out to different entertainers to support them to take part in the concert at Festival Hall, Kirkby, in September, to raise money for the disease’s charity.

Lisa says organising the concert has also given the couple a “focus” in their lives since losing Corah.

She said: “This past month has been hard for us because people have been planning their child’s 18th and we couldn’t.

“But we know she will be looking down smiling at us.

“We just hope we can help other children in her name.”

Lisa said she has been “overwhelmed” by the support of the public in organising the concert for Corah’s 18th.

#RaiseTheRoof4Corah will be at Festival Hall on September 17 featuring a range of acts, including musicians and comedians.

They have received various other donations such as decorations, refreshments and auction prizes.

Carl will also be performing the Full Monty with Corah’s uncle – something “which would have made Corah laugh”.

They are still asking for performers and prize donations – email Lisa at [email protected]