FAMILIES in the North-East are mourning the death of a 13-year-old Romanian girl.

Two years ago, generous Teessiders clubbed together to fulfil a wish for tragic Marina Lenta.

Ostracised by people in her village after going into a hospital to be treated for hepatitis and coming out with Aids, the lonely girl's heartfelt wish was for a doll that she could talk to.

Convoy Aid, a charity based on Teesside, teamed up with delivery service DHL to take a 3ft doll to Marina's home in the village of Bivolari.

Rod Jones, the founder of the charity, said at the time that the doll was to replace the friends Marina had lost.

Four familes across the region acted as adopted godparents for Marina, supplying money to help buy her treatment and little comforts.

Mr Jones, who admitted weeping at the news of Marina's death, said yesterday: "She passed away peacefully.''

Marina was only 11 when she left hospital.

Mr Jones said: "The quality of life improved for her during her last two years. If it had not been for the godparents and people here who have been helping her, she would have had a worse end than she did.

"I have known her a long time and I must admit I cried as if she had been a member of the family when I got the news."

The families who sponsored Marina have agreed to help other children in Romania, through Convoy Aid.