A COUPLE’S “very precious” only-daughter has died at the age of eight after battling a rare form of cancer for more than two years.

The community rallied behind the family of Amelia Russell Green, a pupil at Harnham Junior School, raising £38,000 towards experimental treatment in just three months.

But the cancer had spread so quickly that by December it was too late and she died with her parents at her bedside on Sunday.

Her mum Rebecca said: “Chris and I were both with her when she gained her wings. She is now at peace with no pain.”

Amelia was described by her mum as a “very cheeky” girl who loved music, especially Little Mix and Justin Bieber.

She was first diagnosed with a malignant tumour in her chest in November 2014 when she was six.

The condition, neuroendocrine carcinoma, is most commonly found in adults over the age of 40.

She was given the all-clear in June 2016 but, in September the cancer had returned and was now in her bones.

Amelia’s family launched a crowdfunding campaign in October last year to raise £150,000 to give her the “best chance” of fighting the cancer by funding experimental drug treatments.

The community hosted fundraising events for Amelia, including a ‘poolathon’, cycle challenge and netball tournament.

And schools held ‘Going Gold’ days with pupils dressing up for the appeal.

Rebecca said: “Chris and I owe such a debt of gratitude to everyone that has helped us when we still believed there was a treatment out there that could work. The community have been truly amazing.”

Harnham Junior School headteacher Luke Coles, said: "Everyone at Harnham CofE Junior School is obviously very saddened by the news that Amelia has lost her courageous fight against this rare form of cancer.

"We would like to offer our sincere condolences, and continued support, to Amelia’s parents, family and friends.

"Amelia was a valued and happy member of the school; she will be sadly missed by all the children, parents and staff here at Harnham.

"We will be celebrating Amelia’s life, and the many ways in which she was a vital part of our community, in school, and we hope to hold a memorial service for her in the near future."

A book of remembrance has been opened at St George’s Church in Harnham. The money raised during the appeal will be donated to charity.

The funeral service is being held on Tuesday, which would have been Amelia's ninth birthday, at All Saints Church, Harnham Road, at 1pm. 

Family Flowers only but donations in Amelia’s memory can be made for Julia’s House Childrens Hospice and Sarum Ward Salisbury District Hospital. Donations and enquiries C/O James Benedict Funeral Services.