Tributes to inspirational Chorley teenager Sally Cornes

A Chorley teenager who was described as 'inspirational' has died after a brave four year fight against cancer.
Sally Cornes inspired so many with her positive attitude when she had a deadly cancerSally Cornes inspired so many with her positive attitude when she had a deadly cancer
Sally Cornes inspired so many with her positive attitude when she had a deadly cancer

Sally Cornes, aged 13, overcame bone cancer last year but heartbreakingly the disease returned and she died on Tuesday (February 9).

Her parents, Jo and Richard Cornes, said they were so proud of how hard and bravely she fought against the illness.

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Sally, a pupil at Parklands High School in Chorley, had been poorly for some months and was taken to Manchester Children's Hospital on Christmas Eve after experiencing terrible pain.

Sally Cornes wrote a blog about her experiencesSally Cornes wrote a blog about her experiences
Sally Cornes wrote a blog about her experiences

The teenager inspired people with her insightful blog about her treatment and she was chosen last September to launch TK Maxx’s Give Up Clothes for Good campaign, in support of Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People.

Sally's heartbroken family has issued a statement through Parklands school, saying: "As many of you know, Sally has been very poorly over the past few months whilst bravely battling Cancer.

"On Christmas Eve, her pain became unbearable and she was taken by ambulance to Manchester Children's Hospital. We took Christmas to Manchester and gave her the best family Christmas we could.

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"She was due to start her targeted treatment on 29th December, but we were told the devastating news that her disease had progressed too far and no further treatment was available.

"We then spent the next 6 weeks at her bedside. She fought so hard and exceeded all the doctors and nurses expectations. We are so proud!

"However, on Tuesday 9th February 2021 (on her mum's birthday), with her Mum, Dad & Sister by her side, our little Warrior was asked by the Angels if she was ready to dance again.

"Of course, Sally said YES....and so, off she went at 6.27am.

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"She was brought home to Chorley on Tuesday evening where she is peacefully sleeping at Derian House Children's Hospice."

Sally was first diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma three-and-a half years ago, when she was still at primary school, after experiencing a nagging pain in her back which wouldn’t go away.

It was first thought she had pulled a muscle from her gymnastics and dancing classes and doctors then put the pain down to a chest infection but after a series of tests and scans, Sally’s family received the devastating news that their daughter had a cancerous tumour on her rib.

Sally was referred to Manchester Children’s Hospital and underwent five-hour surgery to remove her rib as well as 14 rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

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She and her family were also flown to Germany for pioneering proton beam therapy which uses high energy radiation to target cancerous tumours.

A year on from the diagnosis, in summer 2018, Sally completed her treatment and was told she had no more evidence of the disease in her body.

However, just 18 months later, the family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned.

Paying tribute to Sally through a school newsletter and Facebook post, headteacher Steve Mitchell said: "It is with a huge sense of grief and sorrow that I need to inform the school community of the death of year 9 student Sally.

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"Sally played an inspirational role in our school community; she was a source of never- ending positivity, grace, determination and resilience, and her blog, documenting her treatment for cancer, was both insightful and educational.

"Sally was a hugely popular student, who touched the hearts and souls of everyone in our school.

"Our pastoral team is on hand to support, if required. On behalf of the whole school, I send our deepest condolences to Sally’s family."

Sally ;leaves her parents and older sister Milly.

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