Emotional tributes to 'remarkable girl'

Emotional tributes have been paid to a cheeky and selfless teenager who kept everyone smiling during her six-year battle against cancer.

Hundreds of mourners crowded into a village church on Tuesday to pay their respects to brave Marcie Loader, who died on Monday last week from leukaemia.

The popular 14-year-old, of Seymour Close, Cox Green, was renowned among family and friends for her comic wit and impressions.

Marcie was diagnosed with a tumour of the spine in 2004, when she was eight, and went through a gruelling course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The youngster showed a ‘dogged determination’ throughout and never let herself get overwhelmed.

Marcie’s dad James recalled how, even the day before her death at home, she was still asking when her tutor was coming next because she still had some artwork to finish.

“At no point in almost six years of intense treatment did she give up, at no point did she say ‘enough’,” he said. “She was a remarkable young lady who redefined the word ‘cheeky’ to all and sundry. She will be missed by all her family and friends so very much, but is no longer in pain.”

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