6:31pm Sunday 14th March 2010
By Gavin Havery
THE funeral of a toddler who lost her 12 month battle against a rare cancer will be held tomorrow.
Two-year-old Sophie Atay, from Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, began her fight for life after she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in February last year.
Her plight captured the hearts of the nation, including Simon Cowell who donated £100,000 towards a huge fundraising drive to raise £500,000 for specialist treatment in New York.
But on Thursday night, just months after her family was told she was too ill to make the trip to America for treatment, she died in the arms of her heartbroken parents.
Sophie's grandmother Esther Hesse, 57, from Washington, described the youngster as a 'ray of sunshine ' and thanked those who had lent their support over the past year.
She said: "Sophie was just so brave. She melted everyone's hearts and brought smiles to everyone she met. She was so special and strong."
Trustees at the charity The 2Simple Trust have held on to the money raised and it will now be used to help other cancer-hit children.
Mrs Hesse, 58, said: "It's wonderful to know that other children will benefit from the money that will be raised. She's left a lasting legacy for everyone."
Sophie's funeral will take place at 1pm at St Cuthbert RC Church, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.
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