Charlotte, 16, ‘was a true angel who walked among us’

5:35am Thursday 1st May 2008

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Family pay tribute to daughter who dedicated her time to help others when she was diagnosed with brain tumour She was a courageous teenager whose dedication to help others even in her worst times touched the hearts around her.

The funeral takes place today of Charlotte Smith who died 11 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

During her illness the 16-year-old set up her own charity to help raise thousands of pounds for others struck down by cancer.

Charlotte, from Lyndhurst, was studying for her GCSEs when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour 11-months ago.

However, instead of thinking of herself the teenager started what has become known as Charlotte's charity - an appeal that she hoped would benefit others and she continued raising money until she died at Southampton General Hospital.

CD recording To raise money she sang on a charity CD she recorded with her twin brother Jack entitled But I Do Love You for friends and family.

Hounsdown School, in Totton, held a non-uniform day which raised £2,200 for the fund entitled Charlotte's Fund of Hope: I Believe I Can which will be going to the charity Brainstrust.

Charlotte's mum and dad, Anita and Colin, have asked anyone who wanted to send flowers to instead make a donation to the appeal that was so important to their daughter.

They also said they would like to see people wear pink at the service as it was Char-lotte's favourite colour.

In a statement her family said: "She was the most precious, loved and adored beautiful daughter and sister, who was a cherished friend to all her family and those who knew her.

"A true angel who walked among us and touched the hearts of everyone she met.

"She will be so sadly missed but always remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing this most caring little girl."

Her head teacher Di Nightingale said that when Charlotte was told the devastating news her first thought was that she would do what she could to help other people.

She said: "Setting up this charity to help others was typical of her, she was always thinking of others. She was enthusiastic and always wanted to do her best, she was a wonderful asset to the school.

"Her favourite subject was definitely art. She was very talented, loved all aspects of art and loved learning."

The nurses on the Piam Brown ward who cared for Charlotte echoed these sentiments and said: "She had a fantastic sense of humour and a really positive view of life."

The total the appeal has raised to date is not yet known.

The funeral will be held at 2pm at St Michael's and All Angels Church, Lyndhurst, followed by a private committal service for immediate family at Southampton Crematorium.

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