'Inspirational' girl, 11, dies after raising thousands during cancer battle

Brave: Karen Powell and Sophie, who was diagnosed with tumour weeks after her mother, in 2015. She died in January
Southern News & Pictures

A mother diagnosed with cancer just weeks before her daughter today paid tribute to the “inspirational” 11-year-old who lost her battle with the disease.

Karen Powell, 47, a personal assistant, had just undergone a procedure to remove a tumour on her left kidney when one of her nine-year-old twins, Sophie, was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour on her right kidney in 2015.

Sophie, from Eltham, had a similar operation to her mother but her tumour ruptured and she had to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The schoolgirl fought the cancer for almost two years before she relapsed and died on January 21.

A fundraising page set up in her memory has already raised almost £20,000 for four children’s charities she was passionate about.

Mrs Powell, whose recent test results have been clear, said she, her husband Steve, 46, and their daughter Emma, 11, had been left “devastated and broken-hearted”.

She said: “Sophie never complained, never wallowed in self-pity. I couldn’t have coped with some of the things she went through.

“She was really aware of what she was dealing with but she was equally conscious of helping other people. She was quite inspirational really.

“She was just a really kind, generous child. She was a lot of fun and had a thirst for knowledge. She had a great personality.

“Sophie raised over £3,000 for charity when she was first diagnosed. Despite being seriously ill with cancer and dealing with the effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, she wanted to raise more.

“At Christmas time she was so poorly but even managed to write all her Christmas cards and wrap all her presents for her friends, family and nurses.

“You just can’t underestimate how determined she was. She was smart and wise beyond her years. For us our biggest fear was that she would be frightened about the situation she was in. But she just focused on doing kind things. As a family the pain of her loss is unbearable, and we set up the fundraising page in tribute and as a legacy for Sophie.”

Sophie dreamed of setting up a holiday home for sick children on the Isle of Wight
PA

One of Sophie’s dreams was to buy a holiday home for sick children on the Isle of Wight where she enjoyed family holidays. Mrs Powell said: “Right now I’m not emotionally ready to do it. But I’d love to buy that holiday home.

“These four charities can support families that have been through the same as us. I know Sophie will be looking down smiling.”

Sophie and her twin Emma were both recognised for their bravery by Cancer Research UK.

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