THE friends and family of young Taliyah Whitworth came together to celebrate her life on Sunday after she lost her brave battle with a brain tumour.

Taliyah, 12, from Silkstone, was diagnosed with grade four classical medulloblastoma - a tumour in the part of the brain that controls balance and co-ordination - when she was just five years old.

The tumour was at the back of Taliyah’s head and her mum Sophie found that it had been blocking fluid going down to her spine.

She then underwent a 14-hour surgery to fully remove the tumour.

Taliyah had to learn to walk, talk and eat again and after a torrid seven years, she and her family were finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

But on May 3, she was told the devastating news that the tumour had returned - only this time it was inoperable.

After bravely fighting the illness for four months, Taliyah died on September 14.

Sophie told the Chronicle: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news that our sweet Taliyah has gained her angel wings after her brave battle with cancer.

“She brought so much light and love to everyone who knew her, and she will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”

Taliyah’s heartbreaking journey touched many Barnsley residents and was named as the Outstanding Young Champion at this year’s Young Champions awards ceremony in June.

Last Sunday, Taliyah’s friends and family joined together to pay tribute to the youngster at Carlton Working Men’s Club.

Laura Kyle, who was in attendance at the special event, told the Chronicle: “Taliyah’s favourite thing was butterflies and she loved the colour blue so we got everybody to bring butterfly or blue balloons.

“I reckon there was 40 people who turned up.

“It was lovely but really emotional.

“My daughter’s been through school with her from nursery age - so I’ve gone through it all with Taliyah and her mum.

“It was nice to just remember her.

“I tried to get as many kids from Mapplewell Primary School to come down and there was about half a dozen girls turn up.”

Laura admits that it was an emotional time for everyone there but it was the perfect way to show their respects.

She added: “Sophie was obviously very emotional but she really appreciated it.

“It was nice that everyone could come together and remember Taliyah in that way.”

Taliyah’s funeral is set to take place at 1.30pm on Wednesday at Barnsley Crematorium.

The dress code is blue.

A fundraiser, set up to support Taliyah and her family, is still ongoing.

More than £9,400 has been raised so far and any further funding will be used to support her younger brother Tyde going forward.

A link to the fundraiser can be found on the Barnsley Chronicle website.