A 10-year-old girl whose brave battle with cancer touched hearts across the world has passed away.
Tia Taggart was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, an aggressive type of cancer that affects bones and the tissue around bones, in October, 2015.
The courageous youngster spent three years undergoing treatment at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and The Christie and had more than 200 doses of chemotherapy and 50 plus radiotherapy sessions.
Tia turned 10 in March - and her family hailed her 'best birthday ever' after thousands of people including complete strangers sent her birthday cards and presents after a Facebook appeal.
She ended up with more than 3,000 and in an adorable video shared by her family, she's shown sitting surrounded by a sea of the well wishes.
Tia's school in Padiham, near Burnley, confirmed the sad news of her death on Tuesday.
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They said: "Our beautiful Tia passed away peacefully this morning. Our prayers are with her family at this sad time."
Tia's dad, Lee Taggert, said on Facebook she died 'being cuddled' by her family.
He wrote: "Tia gained her angel wings at 4.15am this morning being cuddled by us.
"Rest in peace my beautiful little angel."
Damian Harvey, from Tameside, was one of many who rallied communities to make Tia's 10th birthday extra special.
He has been visiting sick children in hospital dressed as Star Wars characters for years and his Facebook appeal for cards and presents went viral.
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Damien, who runs the Tameside Troopers group, visited Tia to deliver some of them.
"She was overwhelmed," he said.
"She said it was the best birthday ever.
"One of my friends got in touch with me and the whole birthday card campaign really took off. I am proud to have been a part of it.
"I want to say a big thanks to everyone who got involved."
Tia was a pupil at St John the Baptist RC Primary in Padiham.
And despite everything she went through, she was always determined to help others.
Tia was a loyal supporter of the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and thousands has been raised through her unique Jet Set Angels scheme, a school-based project to design and make tiny 'travelling angels' figurines.
The project took off and the angels have popped up across the world, with some also having been worn by celebrities.
In a post on Facebook, the group wrote: "Dear Friends and Followers,
"It is with great sadness that I am writing to let you know that our beautiful Tia passed away peacefully this morning. RIP Angel. Please keep the family in your prayers."
