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A seven-year-old ‘fighter’ who captured the hearts of the country with her brave cancer battle has died – 14 months after an unworkable brain tumor was diagnosed at her optician’s examination.
Adorable Edie Jackson, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, was just six years old when she and her mother Lois (39), father Craig (40) and big brother, Charlie (10), suffered a devastating blow in November 2019.
She was diagnosed with a high-grade diffuse intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). The cancerous tumor is the most deadly form of cancer in children, with an average survival prognosis of just eight to twelve months.
Edie underwent an intensive radiation course of 13 days to shrink the tumor, but this type always starts to grow again within months.
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Adorable Edie Jackson, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, captured the hearts of the nation with her brave cancer battle. She is now tragically deceased
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Edie was just six years old when she and her mother Lois (39), father Craig (40) and big brother, Charlie (10), were dealt the devastating blow in November 2019.
Edie’s plight has touched the hearts of celebrities, including Made In Chelsea star Nicola Hughes and TOWIE’S Amber Dowding, who became involved in fundraising to send Edie to New York last March for costly clinical trials.
But despite the fact that GoFundMe and Edie raised almost £ 300,000, they underwent intensive, targeted chemotherapy in the USA, the youngster lost her battle with cancer yesterday.
Edie’s aunt Emmie Adams announced the news this morning on the Facebook page Edie’s Fight. She wrote: ‘It is with an indescribable sadness and a deep sense of pride that we write to tell you that Edie, our Warrior Princess and the bravest girl we know, passed away, surrounded by her loving family yesterday at 17:30.
‘We are sad because she is no longer with us, although we will always live on seven years of beautiful memories of her, but also proud of the life she led and the legacy she left behind.
‘Edie has united the most wonderful community around a cause that you all loved so much and we want to thank you all for the support and strength you have shown us – we could not have done it without you.
‘Edie is seven forever. She will never be forgotten and leaves the biggest, Warrior Princess shaped hole in our entire lives.
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‘We will take some time to process this devastating news, and we will keep abreast of the arrangements for celebrating her life in the coming days. Grief leaves a sadness that no one can heal, love leaves a memory that no one can steal. ‘
Craig earlier told how they booked an appointment with the ophthalmologists for Edie in November 2019 when she began to experience double vision and her left eye began to turn inwards, causing her to develop a squint.
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The proud family was initially reluctant to start fundraising, but was overwhelmed by the reaction
From there, the optician referred the family to their family doctor and sent a letter asking that Edie be seen urgently by a specialist.
“We immediately felt very nervous when we saw the word ‘urgent’ on the optician’s referral letter, so we booked a private appointment at Moorfields Eye Hospital on November 25,” Craig recalls.
‘From there we were sent to Harlow Princess Alexandra Hospital the same day for an MRI, the results of which were sent to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Within hours we were told that Edie had a brain tumor.
‘After the scans were reviewed, we were moved to GOSH and confirmed the worst possible news – Edie not only had a brain tumor, it was an aggressive one called Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in a part of the brain stem called the punch.
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Emie’s aunt Emmie Adams announced the news of her death this morning on the Facebook page Edie’s Fight
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The family wants to publish a petition for additional DIPG funding and research and will need 100,000 signatures to consider it through the Parliamentary Petitions Committee. In the photo: Edie with mother Lois and brother Charlie
“The punch controls essential bodily functions such as heart rate, respiration, swallowing, eye movement, vision and balance.”
Because the punch is located in the center of the brain, a surgeon could not reach the tumor without damaging the surrounding parts of the brain. Even if the crop were obtained, the removal would be impossible.
Edie started radiotherapy on December 2, while her parents were investigating specialists around the world who were working to find an effective treatment strategy for DIPG.
Craig said that their daughter was an ‘absolute star’ and that she remained very brave and strong during her ordeal.
The proud family was initially not against starting fundraising, but was overwhelmed by the reaction.
“The harsh reality is that illness and disease do not discriminate, and although we will trade everything we have for Edie to be in order, we will need help,” Craig said at the time.
“We could never have been prepared for this. Lois’ work situation will have to change and it turned life on its head. But the response and generosity we have received so far is overwhelming and we are so grateful. ‘
The Facebook page Edie’s Fight has gained almost 6,000 members – and dozens of people have already paid tribute to Edie.
Sally Holloway said: ‘RIP beautiful brave princess Edie. You were an inspiration and a warrior who will never be forgotten.
“My heart and mind go out to Edie’s incredibly amazing, brave and strong family who did everything in their power to help Edie try to fight it.”
Lyn Long wrote: ‘One of the bravest girls I know, who fought the biggest battle. Sweet dreams Warrior Princess. ‘
And Lesley Reynolds said, ‘My heart goes out to you all and think of you all. RIP brave beautiful Edie, heaven got the most beautiful and brave girl, sweet dreams. ‘
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