A COURAGEOUS little girl who inspired a massive fundraising campaign has lost her battle against an extremely rare form of cancer.

Five-year-old Ella Stringer died just 10 months after being diagnosed with rhabdoid sarcoma, an aggressive childhood disease.

The youngster underwent regular sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which had seen her tumours reduce in size.

She also had an operation to remove a growth from her spine in April, and appeared to have bravely recovered.

But her family were left devastated when her condition deteriorated and she died on Bank Holiday Monday.

Yesterday Ella’s family, including her mum Emily, 22, and her partner electrician Tony Waller, of Rosewood Avenue, Haslingden, were too upset to talk.

But tributes have been paid by friends and supporters who helped to raise money in anticipation of private treatment in Florida.

Emily, 22, who also has a two-year-old daughter Evie, had discovered a lump on Ella’s back shortly before Christmas.

Doctors said the youngster’s form of cancer was so rare they had to use textbooks for her treatment plan. Each year only a handful of youngsters across the world are diagnosed with the disease.

A rhabdoid tumour is usually first found in the kidney, but can also happen in the central nervous system as well as the liver, muscle, heart, lung, soft tissues, and skin.

Paul Stanley, headteacher of Haslingden’s Broadway Primary School where Ella was a pupil, said his thoughts were with her family.

He said: “Ella joined our reception class last September.

“She was a delightful little girl who was always happy and showing a lovely smile.

“She was a very clever and popular pupil who will be missed by everyone involved with the school.”

Other tributes have been left on a special Facebook page set up in memory of the courageous little girl by her cousin Tom O’Toole.

In less than 24 hours more than 2,700 people marked Ella’s death on the social networking site.

Her cousin Jade Stringer said: “Hey Ella, my gorgeous cousin. I just wanted to tell you once more how much I love you. You were the most amazing beautiful girl I knew.

“You fought so hard against that horrible disease, and I can’t believe it has taken you away from me. RIP my angel, you will always be in my heart. I will never forget you.”

Stacie Gregory said: “What a brave little princess, angels only want the best, darling. I hope you’re free from pain and happy. You fought til the end.

“No parent should have to go through this and my heart goes out to every single family member affected by this cruel blow.

“I’m sorry no-one could save your darling.”

Lilli Crompton posted: “Rip Ella. I remember you at school running round so happy, always coming up to me and hugging me. I will miss you darling.

“God takes the best. You were fighting for a long time. You made your family proud and you sure made me glad that I met you. Night night sweet dreams.”

Ella’s godmother Keeley McKenna, 22, also from Haslingden, set up a charitable fund to raise cash to send Ella to a specialist unit in Florida for radiotherapy.

However, her treatment at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital was not successful enough for her to travel for the treatment.

Ella’s funeral has still to be arranged.

Around £24,000 has been raised in Ella’s name so far and the fundraising will now continue in her memory.

The money will now be used to help other families whose children have cancer.

To donate visit the website below.