A "beautiful" schoolgirl died weeks after complaining of numbness to her face.
Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Ella-Grace Holman who died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital on July 20. Ella first started to feel unwell around five weeks ago and her family thought she could have heatstroke.
But one day, her school contacted mum Amy to pick her daughter up from class and she was taken to hospital. After complaining of numbness to her face, scans were carried out on the nine-year-old, from Warrington, who was eventually told she had a brain tumour.
Ella underwent an eight and a half hour operation at Alder Hey Children's Hospital to remove the tumour, which tests soon showed was cancerous. The nine-year-old was looking to start chemotherapy and radiotherapy for 18 months, but her family were told the devastating news the cancer had spread and it was terminal.
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Paying tribute to her much-loved cousin, Kirsty Eltringham said: "She loved dancing, she loved doing selfies and going out with her friends. She's got an older sister Jess and they were dead close, she was always out with the kids and always wanted cuddles and to sit on your knee. She was definitely the sassy one."
Tributes have also flooded in for Ella-Grace on social media since the ECHO reported on her tragic death.
Tracy Methven said: "Still can't believe you have gone Ella…the street not the same without you xx fly high darling xx."
Stephanie Purser Brereton said: "So heartbreaking for the family. RIP Ella-Grace. X."
Susan Ford said: "Deepest condolences to her family and friends at this sad time. Fly high with the angels young lady."
Ann Louise said: "Heartbreaking, fly high beautiful angel. Thoughts with the family xxx."
Julie Blu Young said: "RIP beautiful condolences to her family."
Nikki Rhodes said: "Rest easy beautiful girl, far too young to gain your wings."
A Gofundme page has been set up to support the family at this tragic time. This weekend, with Ella at the forefront of her mind, Kirsty will be completing a charity bike ride in her cousin's memory.
Despite her own health struggles, Kirsty will be facing the weather and setting off from her home in Newton-le-Willows and riding to Alder Hey on Saturday, July 29. Incredibly, the fundraiser has already surpassed its target as support comes pouring in. Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.
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