A FAMILY has been left in mourning after their 19-year-old daughter died just one year after contracting acute myeloid leukaemia. Readers may well remember the story of former Helena Romanes pupil Naomi Simpson when the Broadcast appealed to the public i

A FAMILY has been left in mourning after their 19-year-old daughter died just

one year after contracting acute myeloid leukaemia.

Readers may well remember the story of former Helena Romanes pupil Naomi Simpson when the Broadcast appealed to the public in April to help raise money at a wild west rodeo weekend at Cornish Hall End.

We had been told by Horse and Groom pub owner Kelly Bishop that she would be organising the event to "help make Naomi's dreams come true".

Sadly Naomi died in the arms of her parents at the East Anglian Hospice in Cambridge on August 24, still without having reached her 20th birthday.

But she had achieved some of her goals before then. Using the money collected from the events organised by the people who knew her she managed to buy a car and take driving lessons, two of the things highest on her list of wishes.

Her devastated parents have said that they were so proud of her for fighting all the way to the end. Her father said: "She was so brave and there is no way we will ever forget her, she will be missed by all of us, but will always have a special place in our hearts."

Generous to the end Naomi requested that the remaining money be split between the hospice that cared for her and a new children's play area for her niece and nephew to play on in their garden.

Naomi's funeral took place last Friday and over 250 friends and family members packed the church to listen to her favourite song When You're Gone by Avril Lavigne, before she was buried along with family pictures and her favourite teddy bear.

If you would like to submit letters of condolence please do so by writing to us at 2 Angel Lane, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1AQ or by e-mail at editor@dunmow broadcast.co.uk