Parents of 'lioness' teenage daughter who became one of UK's youngest bowel cancer victims pay tribute

Student Charlotte Simpson died peacefully aged just 18 at her Whiteley home surrounded by her family on May 22 - just four months after she was diagnosed with the terminal illness.

The teenager complained of acute stomach pain in October last year but it was not until she had a colonoscopy on January 16 at Southampton General Hospital that doctors identified the cancer.

Tests then confirmed the devastating news that Charlotte had stage four bowel cancer.

Charlotte’s parents Sarah, 46, and dad David, 48, revealed the torment their brave daughter went through before she died and now want to raise awareness of the illness - typically only thought to affect the over 50s - in young people.

‘Our beautiful Charlotte lost her short battle on the May 22 at 10.50am just four months after her shocking diagnosis of bowel cancer,’ they posted on bereavement support and fundraising site Funeral Guide.

‘She fought and fought the vile horrific disease but had absolutely no chance whatsoever. She went through pure agony everyday over the past few months and never complained...the bravest most amazing little lioness.’

The parents went on to praise ‘beautiful and kind soul’ Charlotte’ who had the ‘sweetest and politest personality’ and was someone who had ‘such a special gift to make everyone she ever met feel so very special and so loved’.

They added: ‘We are so, so very proud of you in every single way. You’re forever and ever in our broken hearts and soul...you’re our everything our beautiful baby girl.’

Charlotte, whose funeral took place on June 11 at Posbrook Lane Cemetery in Titchfield, also leaves behind a 15-year-old brother.

Bowel Cancer UK posted on Twitter: ‘Charlotte Simpson was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer at the age of 17 and sadly died at just 18.

‘We're incredibly grateful to her mum Sarah for sharing her story to raise awareness of bowel cancer in young people.’

Well-wishers have donated on the fundraising page helping to raise over £2,800 for Rowans Hospice and just under £4,300 to Teenage Cancer Trust.

To donate go to: www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/77842

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth has highest infection rate in Hampshire

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.