Peterborough family pay tribute to 12-year-old after cancer death
The parents of a 12-year-old girl who died from a rare cancer have paid tribute to her "fun, mischievous and sassy" personality.Poppi Frisby, from Peterborough, died in February 2024 after a 16-month battle with Ewing sarcoma.Her parents, Ian and Sam, have since thanked the hospice that took care of the family during what they called a "truly dreadful" time."We're a very close family and everyone thought the world of Poppi," Mr Frisby said.
The youngster was cared for at a hospice run by East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH) in Milton, Cambridgeshire.Keen runner Poppi's shock diagnosis came in October 2022 after she developed a limp that was initially unexplained.Doctors later found an "aggressive" tumour in her pelvis that had spread to her lungs."It broke our hearts, and I struggled to accept it," said 66-year-old Mr Frisby."It was such an overwhelming shock and like being hit by a bus."
Despite being sceptical at first, Poppi's parents, who also have three older daughters, agreed to accept help from EACH.They stayed at the hospice twice, including for palliative care, and attended other events."Far from being dark and depressing, I realised the hospice was the most beautiful place, full of the warmest, most amazing people," said Mr Frisby, a milkman.Mrs Frisby, 50, added: "It gave her the spirit to fight on, giving us extra time to create so many beautiful memories."No-one can take them away from us and for that, we'll always be grateful."
'Heart of gold'
The couple remembered their daughter as a fun, kind-hearted and respectful person.Mr Frisby continued: "Poppi was so funny and everyone adored her."She was a beautiful young girl with a fun, sometimes mischievous and sassy personality."She had a heart of gold and enjoyed life, despite the challenges she faced towards the end."
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