INSPIRATIONAL city teenager Rosie Abbott has lost her long battle with cancer.
After five years of bravely fighting numerous brain tumours, the 15-year-old from Allesley passed away last Friday (January 27).
Announcing her death via the teenager’s ‘Raise for Rosie’ Facebook page, her family said: “Our beautiful, inspirational and courageous baby girl Rosie fell asleep forever today, aged just 15.
“Rosie’s light in our lives is out, Rosie’s voice from our ears is stilled, Rosie’s beautiful smile is gone, a void which never can be filled.
“Rest in peace baby girl, so much love forever and ever and ever Mummy, Daddy, Sam, Megan and Ellis, Jackson, Skittles, Diesel and Dotty.”
The devastating news comes just one year after doctors told Rosie they had defeated her brain tumours.
But the Abbott family’s elation was short-lived when a routine MRI in February 2016 detected three more brain tumours.
She braved further grueling chemotherapy regimes, but was later placed in palliative care.
Despite her illnesses, Rosie’s endless generosity shone through – raising more than £17,000 for charities including Teenage Cancer Trust, Make a Wish and the Little Princess Trust.
She also completed a Race for Life, despite having to be carried part of the way because she was so unwell.
Rosie smiling throughout the endless treatments. s
In November 2015, she was named a BBC Radio One ‘Teen Hero’ in recognition of her tireless charity fundraising.
Writing on the ‘Raise for Rosie’ Facebook page last week, her family said: “Exactly 5 years ago today our beautiful Rosie was admitted to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire for an MRI the following day.
“Up until this very moment Rosie was a fit and healthy ten-year-old who thoroughly loved life.
“Sadly Rosie has endured what seems like an eternity of gruelling treatment to cure her cancer.
“At several points over the last five years we thought her battle was won.
“Sadly any hope of curing Rosie very recently turned into her transitioning to palliative care.
“Rosie is a true fighter, every god damn day since we knew our hopes had been shattered Rosie has encountered one setback after another.
“NO family anywhere in the world should be in our position right now, NEVER.”
In 2012, Rosie’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma – a fast growing brain tumour.
Transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, she underwent a nine-hour operation to try remove the tumour from her brain.
Having been told Rosie could be left with numerous side-effects, her family prepared for the worst, but the miraculous youngster astounded medical professionals by making a quick recovery and returning home within just a fortnight.
In the months that followed, Rosie braved a grueling schedule of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which sadly caused her to lose her hair.
Longing to live her life to the fullest, she attended school whenever possible and continued her passion for horse riding – the pony-mad teen even picking up a number of trophies for her riding.
The horse-loving teenager with one of her beloved ponies. s
In May 2013, the Abbott family were told Rosie was in remission from cancer.
But their relief was short-lived.
In May 2014 a routine MRI scan showed Rosie’s Medulloblastoma was back, this time in an inoperable location.
She was the first child to receive the pioneering stereotactic radiosurgery – a ‘cyber knife’ – and, after a further round of chemotherapy, was given the ‘all clear’ from doctors.
But the cancer returned last year and tragically this time, Rosie was not able to fight it off any longer.
Paying tribute to Rosie on Facebook, Fran Hammonds wrote: “So sorry for your loss, I’ve followed your story for a while and I was blown away by how determined and strong you all were.
“Rosie was a truly inspirational young lady and heaven has gained an angel, RIP gorgeous girl.”
Anke Brooker added: “Heart breaking news. Rosie has taught us so much about courage and determination. She will never be forgotten.”
Katie Pennells said: “You raised a warrior who fought with everything she had.
“Her smile will forever be etched in my memory. Sleep tight Rosie.”
