MADISON PARTONRemembering Madison Parton, who died aged four on 18 March, 2010, after losing her battle with cancer.
Madison passed away at the Donna Louise Trust's Treetops Hospice, a week after it was revealed her cancer had spread.
Madison, from Sandford Hill, Stoke-on-Trent touched the hearts of many people after being diagnosed with the rare cancer rhabdo-myosarcoma in February 2008. She received the all-clear in 2009, only for it to return two months later.
Her mum, Annette, lead the tributes, describing her as "a little princess", who will never be forgotten. She said: "Madison was the most inspirational little girl. There will never, ever be another Madison.
"She taught us so many things – how to cope, how to get on with life and how to love and care."
When Madison was diagnosed with cancer, many people rallied around to hold fund-raisers for her.
Events such as leg waxes, raffles and music nights were held and people also came forward with their own donations.
Happier times for Madison included a fancy dress party to mark her third birthday and being offered the chance to ride in a fire engine-style limo.
Her family were hopeful at the start of 2010 that being accepted on a new drug trial would bring her better health.
But Madison managed only the first round of chemotherapy before her condition deteriorated. Scans then showed that the cancer had spread to her chest, lungs and back.
Madison was survived by her parents, Annette and Simon and her sisters.
The family are now planning fund-raising events for the Donna Louise Children's Hospice Trust in memory of Madison and also plan to donate money raised before Madison's death to the Trentham Lakes charity.
Annette, who has three other children, Lauren, Megan and Tyler, said Madison will be remembered for her smile.
She said: "Madison is at peace now, but still has that smile on her face.
"People will always remember it and it will live on because people will smile when they think of her.
"We I'd like to thank everyone that has been part of Madison's life.
"People were very good to her and I am sure they will be thankful to have known her."
Dawn Kemp jumped in to help Madison straight after her first diagnosis, organising events for her and twice being sponsored to have her head shaved.
She said: "Madison made us proud and fought till the end.
"She was our shining star and now she will shine brighter. Everyone will remember her because she touched so many hearts."
Susan Thorley helped publicise fund-raising events for Madison by producing and distributing posters.
She said: "It is really heart-breaking, but Madison touched so many people. It was her smile that did it."
http://www. thisisstaffordshire. co.uk/ news/Madison-peace-s mile-face/ article-1929501-deta il/ article.html [thisisstaffordshire .co.uk]
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