A FATHER whose daughter died from a rare genetic disorder has urged people to be more aware of the potentially fatal syndrome that took her life.

Georgina Cooper, 37, of Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, was admitted to hospital a fortnight ago with a brain tumour.

It was caused by the hereditary condition, Gorlin Syndrome, which she had suffered from since birth.

Georgina died on December 1 at the Royal Preston Hospital after her heart became too weak following an operation to fit a tracheotomy.

It was the second time she had suffered a brain tumour. Doctors discovered a tumour shortly after Georgina was born, leading them to suspect she had the condition.

Her father, Brian, of Bow Lane, Leyland, said: "We knew something wasn't right but I've spent many happy years with her and she always had a smile.

"If she was in a really good mood, you'd get a kiss. She couldn't speak that well so she just used to pout her lips.

"She was a lovely girl and a music lover too. She loved it when one of the ladies who cared for her, sang to her. Her favourite song was Brown Girl in the Ring and she liked Old McDonald had a Farm too."

Mr Cooper, who has a less severe form of the disorder that affects 1,000 known sufferers in the UK, wants more people to be aware of it. He said: "A lot of people are scared of going to the doctors because they fear what could be wrong, but it's so important to make sure.

"Look on the Internet too and find out more. There are more people than you think who can help."

The Coopers found support from a fellow sufferer and his family who lived in Penwortham. Jim Costello, who established The Gorlin Syndrome Group, helped people with the condition all over the world. He died two years ago today (Thursday), but the group he founded continues.

Georgina's funeral took place on Thursday at St Mary's RC Church, Broadfield Drive, Leyland, before committal at Pleasington Crematorium.

The Cooper family have requested donations, instead of flowers, to be made to The Gorlin Syndrome Group and to ward 2A Nurses Fund at the Royal Preston Hospital.