A FOOTBALLER who touched the hearts of hundreds of young players when she was struck down with a brain tumour has died aged just 14, her team has announced.

Clubs including Newcastle United and Rangers, stars like Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne, as well as junior sides up and down the country posed for pictures making a heart-shaped hand gesture for Rhya Story.

The schoolgirl from Greenhead, Northumberland, fell ill a fortnight ago and was taken to hospital in Newcastle where an inoperable brain tumour was diagnosed.

Her team, Haltwhistle United, announced on Sunday via social media that she had died.

The Northern Echo:

Players from Stockton Town U12s show their support on Sunday Picture: Matt Westcott

In a statement, the club said: "It is with heavy hearts we must say goodbye to our team mate Rhya who lost her battle and has left us and joined angels united.

"You will be sorely missed and we will hold you in our hearts forever. You were subbed too soon and didn't get to play the full match.

"Life is not fair and too often takes the best of us early and without fair reason.

"Rest in peace Rhya."

The Northern Echo:

Middlesbrough Ladies show their support Picture: Via Twitter

After she fell ill, team-mates from Haltwhistle United's under 15s side posed for a picture making the heart shape, like the gesture made famous by Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale, to show her they were missing her.

And after an appeal on Facebook, many other sides joined the #heart4rhya campaign and joined in.

The Grassroots Football North East Facebook page, which has strongly supported the appeal, sent their condolences to her family. Rhya's left mother Catherine, father John and two brothers.

It said: "It is with the deepest sadness we bring you the terrible news that Princess Rhya passed away earlier today.

"Our thoughts go out to Rhya's family at this very sad time.

"Thank you so so much to each and everyone of you who have sent in you pictures the amount of support during this time has been amazing.

"From the whole of Grassroots, from us personally, we send our deepest condolences and love."

The Northern Echo:

The players of South Shields show their support Picture: Via Twitter