The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has paid an amount of GH¢13, 500 for the surgery of nine-year-old Cybil Hayford, who is suffering from brain tumour.

Cybil is scheduled to undergo a brain surgery on June 25, 2015 to remove the tumour doctors say is on her brain stem, a delicate part of the brain.

Cybil was diagnosed with the tumour three months ago and according to medical report, she urgently needs a brain surgery to stay alive and healthy.

Fiifi Amissah, Manager in-charge of Special Projects, NLA, presenting the cheque to the parents and health officer in-charge of Cybil at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), said it was urgent for Cybil to have her surgery to correct the life-threatening ailment.

He said the donation was from the NLA’s special projects unit which is a corporate responsibility outfit that has been in support of medical care for a very long period.

Mr Amissah also stated that their swift response followed a request made by Cybil’s father which they thought was very timely and important.

He further stated that looking at the amount involved in Cybil’s surgery, they felt there was the need for someone to help because her parents could not afford it.

“Since NLA has picked the main cost of the surgery which is GH¢13,500, I urge other institutions to come to their aid with the recovery and other bills,” he said.

Emelia Okai, Principal Nursing Officer in-charge of Neuro Surgical Block, who received the money on behalf of Cybil’s family, thanked NLA for their gesture and urged other institutions and organisations to follow the footsteps of NLA.

Cybil’s father, Domonic Hayford, also used the opportunity to thank the management of NLA for responding to his plea for help.