An inspirational 17-year-old girl from Harrogate has died following a battle with cancer.
Liz Hatton passed away at her home in Harrogate on Tuesday - less than a year after she was diagnosed with an incurable desmoplastic small round cell tumour.
Liz has captured the hearts of the nation when she met the Princess of Wales earlier this year.
An aspiring photographer, she had been invited to Windsor Castle to photograph an investiture Prince William was holding.
It was after she had revealed her ‘bucket list’ of things she wanted to achieve in her final months.
Liz’s mum, Vicky Robayna, said:
“She remained determined to the last. Even yesterday she was still making plans.
“We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in there last year.
“She was not only a phenomenal photographer, she was the best human, and the most wonderful daughter and big sister we could ever have asked for.”
Vicky continued:
“No one could have fought harder for life than she did. There is a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our loves that I am not sure how we will ever fill.”
The photo that captured the hearts of the nation: When Liz met Princess Kate. (Image: Kensington Palace)
Vicky has asked that people share one of Liz’s photos along with the hashtag ‘#LizHatton.’
She has also asked if people would donate to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour.
After visiting Windsor Castle, Liz was “inundated” with offers of support and was able to complete her bucket list - which included attending a London film premiere.
Sadly her condition continued to deteriorate in recent weeks and just last week, her family were aiming to celebrate Christmas early this weekend as it was her little brother Mateo’s wish to have her there for it.
But this wasn’t to be.
Liz was diagnosed with an incurable desmoplastic small round cell tumour in January this year, and was given between six months and three years to live.
She gave up her studies to pursue her dream of being a photographer and began ticking things off her bucket list.
These included watching the filming of ‘Would I Lie to You’ - her favourite show - snapping behind the scenes of a West End show, having photos published in a magazine, helping out on a film set, photographing a music festival and take photos at a fashion shoot.
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