A Lanarkshire mum has paid tribute to her “little sidekick” who died after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Faye Taylor, nine, passed away at home in Craigneuk last Wednesday, leaving her family, friends and the wider community devastated.
The Berryhill Primary pupil had been busy spending the past few months making memories with her family, after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour back in June, Lanarkshire Live reports.
Mum Elaine told Lanarkshire Live : “She was at home and it was peaceful. Throughout all of this, Faye just adapted to the next stage of her illness - she was like a ray of sunshine.
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"One of her consultants said that they would never forget her and I think that sums Faye up. She never moaned, she never complained right up to the end. It just feels numb just now.
"Faye was getting medication every two hours so I got up to get it sorted and realised she wasn’t there. She was my wee sidekick.”
After Faye’s diagnosis, Craigneuk residents got together to raise funds to allow her to make memories with Elaine, dad Gavin and older siblings Lewis, Jodie and Harvey.
She was able to meet see some of her favourite animals up close at Blair Drummond Safari Park, after arriving in style in a pink limousine thanks to Les Hoey’s DreamMaker Foundation.
There was also various trips across the country and even a marriage proposal from Spiderman star, Tom Holland. And skilful artist Faye even designed tattoos for her mum and dad.
“She loved her animals and she loved her trip to Blair Drummond,” said Elaine. “We went to Build-a-Bear and Faye had a ball.
“But there was lots of things such as going to the park and bowling and it took our minds off what was happening. Before her diagnosis, Faye was just your typical nine-year-old. She was independent and full of fun but the illness took that away from her.”
Throughout Faye’s illness there were a series of fundraising activities from locals keen to help.
Before breaking up for the summer holidays, a number of schools held fundraising activities including Faye’s classmates at Berryhill Primary.
Faye’s dad Gavin and brother Lewis took part in a 15k walk around Strathclyde Park, while a sponsored danceathon was held at the Glencassels Community Development Project (The Venny) on July 10. A fundraising night was also held at St Patrick’s Parochial Hall on July 30, featuring a DJ, live male waxing and raffles.
Elaine added: “I would like to thank every single person who have sent their well wishes, support, visits, thoughts and prayers. The support we have had as a family has been unreal and that has helped us process what was happening to Faye and to all of us.
“Faye had Grado and Gail Telfer from River City while she was in the hospice. Grado was driving her around on her wheelchair, he was amazing with her.
“I’d also like to thank who organised a charity football match at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie and let Faye bring the ball onto the pitch at the start of the game. I’d also like to thank Les Hoey and the DreamMaker Foundation for all their help.
“The staff at the Beatson in Glasgow and the team at Robin’s House were great with giving care and support not just Faye but to the whole family. Her story has touched so many people over the last few months, she had a heart of gold.”
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