Sophie Atay lost her 12-month fight against death and died of an aggressive form of cancer. Her family shared that the two year old toddler was full of courage despite being so young. Sophie, who was from Birtley, Gateshead was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in February last year.

The whole of the nation along with music mogul Simon Cowell were moved by her plight and raised about £500,000 for her specialist treatment in New York.

She died on Thursday night in the very arms of her parents, despite the fact that she was being given energy-sapping chemotherapy for many months. The funds which were raised for her treatment will be used for other stricken youngsters who are battling Neuroblastoma.

Grandmother Esther Hesse, 57, from Washington shared that the little girl was a ray of sunshine. She said, "Sophie was just so brave. She melted everyone's hearts and brought smiles to everyone she met. She was so special and she was so strong".

Sophie's funeral will be held at St Cuthbert RC Church in Chester-le-Street at 1pm on Monday.