A FOUR-YEAR-OLD Wrexham girl has tragically died of a brain tumour. 

Aria Hodgkiss, from Rhostyllen, bravely fought diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) - a tumour of the brain stem which was diagnosed on the day of her third birthday. 

She battled the cancer for a year and a half, but her family shared the heartbreaking news that she passed away in the early hours of Thursday (December 1). 

The Leader:

Aria's mum, Melanie, posted on Facebook saying: "Our brave warrior, our baby girl, Aria, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at 12.30am.

"We are absolutely devastated and we have no idea how we will carry on each day. But, we promise you that we will carry on for you.

"DIPG didn't win, you won baby girl. You fought for so long. You now deserve to run free and be a little girl."

Melanie added: "We love you so so much, Aria."

She also wanted to thank everyone who has supported the Aria vs DIPG campaign. 

The Leader:

Aria's story has captured the hearts of people in Wrexham and beyond, with £60,000 raised for her to receive a new form of treatment that it was hoped would slow down the progression of the tumour. This included a £20,000 donation from Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. 

She was also able to go on her dream holiday to Disneyland Paris after people raised thousands of pounds to fund the trip. 

The Leader:

With her condition worsening, Aria's family held an early Christmas Day for her on November 12.

Hundreds of people have been passing on their heartfelt condolences to Aria's family on social media. 

All Saints Poyser Street and Holy Trinity Rhostyllen will be open again tonight (Friday) from 6.30om to 7.30pm and tomorrow (Saturday) 4-5pm if anyone would like to light a candle to remember Aria or write in the memory book.

 

The Leader: