A courageous teenager has died after facing a rare form of cancer with positivity, her family has said. Phoebe Gibson was just 15, with a love for animals, horse riding and dancing.
Mum Philippa said Phoebe had faced her illness with courage - and never asked 'why me?'. She died at home in Hartshead Moor, near Cleckheaton in West Yorkshire, on Sunday.
Phoebe had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of cancer. She had started to feel pains in her legs in 2019.
It led to painful and difficult treatment for the schoolgirl. She had to have one of her legs amputated but, despite this, the cancer returned, reports YorkshireLive.
Philippa said her daughter continued to live her life while coping with having one leg. She kept working at the family's business, Harefield Farm Shop, and took part in a Duke of Edinburgh challenge that involved walking up a mountain and camping. She also continued to enjoy horseriding and trampolining.
She said: "All through her treatment, she was so positive - we all were. Not once did we ever think this would be the outcome."
Philippa, who runs PM Gibson School of Theatre Dance in Scholes, Cleckheaton, said her daughter had been a sporty girl who had loved dancing, cross country running, horse riding, rugby, and skiing. She had also organised a baking sale event at the dance studio which had raised around £7,000 and was split equally between Candlelighters and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
"She was completely kind and selfless," said Philippa. "She did look out for other people and never complained about losing her leg. Never once did she say 'why me?'
"She took it on the chin and got on with it. We are all incredibly proud of her. We have had so many cards and flowers. We have had so many messages we have not got through them all. It is heartbreaking to read that people just loved her."
Phoebe had dreams of becoming famous and whose dream job was a TV presenter on BBC show Countryfile. Phoebe's family and friends are now working towards setting up a 'mini zoo' beside their farm shop so customers can see various farm animals up close. It will be called Phoebe's Farm. She had always been asking her dad to create a little area where people could look at the animals.
The project is being supported by her parents, Philippa and Michael, and Phoebe's brother Tobias, 17, and sister Imogen, 20.
On Monday the PM Gibson School of Theatre Dance posted its own tribute to Phoebe, saying: "It is with the deepest sadness that we write this post, Phoebe Rose passed away yesterday after a long fight with cancer. Our thoughts are with Philippa, Michael, Imogen and Tobias at this terrible time and all our love and prayers are with them. Sleep tight beautiful girl and enjoy your time with Nana and Grandad. We love you Phoebe."
Phoebe's funeral service will be held on May 19 at Scholes Church, Cleckheaton, from 2.30pm.
