Last updated at 08:33, Friday, 12 March 2010

THE parents of a 15-year-old Dearham girl who died of a rare bone cancer have paid tribute to a daughter who had an insatiable appetite for life.

Adele Francesca George, whose parents John and Nicole run Maryport News, From The Heart card shop and Elbra Mini Mart and Post Office in Maryport, died last month after a 12-month battle against osteosarcoma.

Mr and Mrs George had been told that the disease, which affects about 30 children in the UK each year, can often affect fast growing, sporting and healthy teenagers.

Adele represented Cockermouth School in netball, athletics, hockey and Rock Challenge, was a keen dancer, rider and drama club member.

When she complained of a sore leg just over a year ago, her parents put it down to growing pains or muscle strain.

When it showed no signs of going they took her to Maryport Health Services where she was sent for an X-ray.

She was immediately sent to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, which diagnosed the bone cancer, leading to months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Her consultant said it was one of the most aggressive cancers she had ever seen and by May it was apparent that she would not recover.

Mr George said his daughter was always independent, determined and full of spirit, which never left her.

She had to use crutches but did not let that stop her.

She took to wearing a Carlisle United hat when she lost her long red hair and when her mother bought her a blonde wig, she was delighted with her new ‘Hannah Montana’ look.

On her birthday, January 15, her parents took her and her friends out for dinner.

She was in a wheelchair by then and quite ill but insisted on using her crutches to go into the restaurant.

Mr and Mrs George said they were fortunate to be self-employed, with loyal staff they could rely on as they dedicated much of the last year to Adele and her 12-year-old brother Ross.

For much of that time Adele wanted to be normal – to get back to school and her friends – but between times the family went to Ireland for a holiday in a horse-drawn caravan, went hot air ballooning, out for meals, for trips away and hosted sleepovers for Adele’s friends.

The couple said they have had overwhelming support from Adele’s friends, family, their friends and medical staff.

Mr George also paid a moving tribute to his wife, whose love for her family he described as boundless.

Since Adele’s death on February 17 pages of tributes have been posted on her Facebook page, most mentioning her smile and happy-go-lucky nature – not to mention her love of Magic Stars. A slideshow made by three of her closest friends can be seen on You Tube.

Adele’s friends are being invited to take part in a walk from Whitehaven to Rowrah in her memory on Saturday, March 27, to raise money for the Children’s Cancer Trust at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

The walk is being organised by Whitehaven School department head Rob Huck, the father of Dearham teacher Kirsty Barton, who taught Adele. Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund can send money to Whitehaven School or to Mrs Barton at Dearham Primary School.

First published at 19:27, Thursday, 11 March 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk