The family of a little girl who battled cancer for half her life have paid tribute to their "absolutely fearless" daughter after she died at just eight years old.

Born at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) on January 15, 2014, Amber was the youngest of Amanda and Jon Sheehy's three children, to brothers Max, now 14 and Hayden, 22.

Amanda said: "Having already had two boys, I remembered when I ended up having a girl I was so emotional.

Norwich Evening News: Amber's family enjoying a VIP experience at Woburn Safari ParkAmber's family enjoying a VIP experience at Woburn Safari Park (Image: Jon Sheehy)

"Amber went to Horsford Primary School and loved it so much that she'd play it at home with us and had all the whiteboard and pens.

"She'd even change how she 'taught' us depending on the teachers she had at the time.

"Even while she was going through her illness she attended school as much as she could - even through chemotherapy.

Norwich Evening News: Amber Sheehy with Norwich City goalkeeper, Tim KrulAmber Sheehy with Norwich City goalkeeper, Tim Krul (Image: Jon Sheehy)

"Art was her favourite subject and she always loved painting and drawing with her grandad Clive - it was such a special bond they had together.

"She loved football and as well as being voted Norwich City's fan of the season, she played in goal for the Horsford FC under-nines team.

"It was the only game she played but she had so much fun.

Norwich Evening News: Amanda Sheehy said one of Amber's favourite experiences was when she went up in a helicopterAmanda Sheehy said one of Amber's favourite experiences was when she went up in a helicopter (Image: Jon Sheehy)

"Amber also had loads of fun playing board games, with her favourites being Norwich City Monopoly, Uno and the Game of Life."

Amber's love extended to her close friends and she was always looking for gifts while they were on holiday.

"There weren't many trips where she didn't bring a friend along" added Amanda.

Norwich Evening News: Amber Sheehy was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour in April 2019 at the age of fiveAmber Sheehy was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour in April 2019 at the age of five (Image: Jon Sheehy)

"Amber was the type of person who was always loyal, even at such a young age, thinking what she could do with her friends."

Amber was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour in April 2019 at the age of five after she started having headaches and being sick in the mornings.

In June 2021 Amber was able to ring the celebratory bell, marking the end of her treatment. 

Norwich Evening News: Amber Sheehy was voted Norwich City's fan of the season last yearAmber Sheehy was voted Norwich City's fan of the season last year (Image: Jon Sheehy)

But sadly in April 2022 the Sheehy's received the devastating news that her cancer had returned – and this time was inoperable.

The family went on to make many memories including seeing the Norwich City squad and appearing on stage with Amber's favourite singer, Tom Grennan.

Amanda continued: "We are blessed with so many special memories.

Norwich Evening News: From left to right, Max Sheehy, Jon Sheehy, Amber Sheehy and Amanda SheehyFrom left to right, Max Sheehy, Jon Sheehy, Amber Sheehy and Amanda Sheehy (Image: Jon Sheehy)

"Amber loved going up in the helicopter, as well as being taken out in a Lamborghini with her brother Max - those were some of her absolute favourite adventures.

"Her face was absolutely priceless when she went on stage with Tom Grennan as well.

"She started off watching him from the side of the stage but when her favourite song, Let's Go Home Together, came on he invited her up on stage.

"It's one of our favourite memories of her because you could see her face and know that all her dreams came true that day.

Norwich Evening News: Amber Sheehy when she went out in a LamborghiniAmber Sheehy when she went out in a Lamborghini (Image: Jon Sheehy)

"She also had a VIP experience at Woburn Safari Park and was able to get right up to the animals, spending time with the elephants and feeding the giraffes.

"A few months before she died more players from the City squad came along and met Amber again and spent a lot of time with her - so it was a good job she was on top form that day."

Amber passed away peacefully at 11pm on Saturday, January 14 in the Nook of East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

She died an hour before her ninth birthday with her parents Amanda and Jon by her side.

Norwich Evening News: Amber Sheehy died aged eight at 11pm on January 14Amber Sheehy died aged eight at 11pm on January 14 (Image: Jon Sheehy)

Amanda added: "Losing Amber hurts more than we could ever imagine but we're steadily learning to adapt, accept, remember and embrace the memories.

"We were blessed with Amber and the extra time we had, which softens the hurt just a little."

The family will be holding a private funeral for Amber, with family flowers only.

Those who wish to support Amber's Army in the Horsford youngster's memory can do so at ambersarmy.org.uk.