A fearless five-year-old girl whose cancer plight gripped the hearts of thousands has died, a year after she was first diagnosed with the disease.

Norwich Evening News: James Maddison carries Sophie Taylor on Saturday, April 7. Photo: Jasonpix/NCFCJames Maddison carries Sophie Taylor on Saturday, April 7. Photo: Jasonpix/NCFC (Image: Jasonpix/NCFC)

Sophie Taylor, from Sprowston, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma - bone cancer - in January last year.

And although it was news which could have broken many her family remained positive and defiant, vowing to stick their tongues out at cancer and fight every step of the way.

However tragically Sophie died in the early hours of Friday, just days after her family were told her cancer had aggressively returned, and spread to her lungs.

It was a particularly cruel situation, as just a month before the family had celebrated Sophie being in remission and awaiting a new prosthetic leg, which they had called her magic leg.

And the family should have been enjoying a trip to Disney World in Florida, granted as a wish by charity Rays of Sunshine.

Parents Alex and Kirsty had been posting on social media as Sophie to keep supporters updated. On Friday they posted: 'Today at 1.47am I took my last breath, laying in Mummy and Daddy's arms, cuddling Olaf and watching Toy Story. I peacefully slipped into my forever sleep, just how I would have wanted.'

They also posted a poem written partly from Sophie's perspective and partly from theirs.

It read: 'My wings arrived and I decided it is time that I should go. But before I fly and leave you here there are things that you should know.

Norwich Evening News: Sprowston schoolgirl Sophie Taylor underwent a major operation on one of her legs at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. She is pictured here in hospital after the operation. Photo: supplied by the Taylor familySprowston schoolgirl Sophie Taylor underwent a major operation on one of her legs at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. She is pictured here in hospital after the operation. Photo: supplied by the Taylor family (Image: supplied by the Taylor family)

'Treasure every moment, every laugh, and hug and kiss. For you never know when life may suddenly end up like this.

'I taught you valuable lessons on how to cope with misery and pain, so no matter what you go through remember you can always smile again.

'It may not be today, tomorrow, or this week, but never give up on living while there's colour in your cheek.

'Mummy and daddy will mourn forever, but their job is crystal clear. To make my name last forever.

Norwich Evening News: Sophie Taylor, with Darrell Green, at the UEA lab examining her tumour. Photo: Alex TaylorSophie Taylor, with Darrell Green, at the UEA lab examining her tumour. Photo: Alex Taylor (Image: Alex Taylor)

'And we will do this for you my dear.

'Sleep well and rest a while, for now it's only goodbye.

'We'll see you again, embrace and cuddle and understand that you must fly.

'It is difficult to end this and say a final piece.

Norwich Evening News: Sophie Taylor, far right, with mum Kirsty, sister Evie, brother Connor and dad Alex. Picture: Taylor familySophie Taylor, far right, with mum Kirsty, sister Evie, brother Connor and dad Alex. Picture: Taylor family (Image: Archant)

'So how about we love you Sophie and hope you are at peace.'

Following the news of Sophie's death a minutes applause was held at Carrow Road on Friday evening ahead of the Norwich City v Birmingham match.

During the applause fans were told Sophie had been a mascot last season and a picture of James Maddison, who carried her out onto the pitch and has since kept in touch with the family was shown on the big screen.

A fundraising page set up to ensure Sophie's name is never forgotten had already topped £8,000 on Friday, in just three days.

It is hoped the money can go towards a project which 'enables Sophie to be remembered forever and at the same time will support children that find themselves in similar positions to her'.

To donate, visit bit.ly/2HmqVoG