A family has paid tribute to their ‘kind and selfless’ daughter who faced her cancer diagnosis and treatment with bravery.
Phoebe Gibson, 15, was described as a beautiful, well-loved girl with a big heart and a love for animals, horse riding, dancing, and her family.
Phoebe died peacefully at her home in Hartshead Moor on April 24 surrounded by her loving family, Yorkshire Live reports.
Her mum, Philippa, said that Phoebe had faced her illness with courage and without asking ‘why me?’
The teenager had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of cancer, in 2019 after she began complaining about pains in her leg.
She underwent painful and demanding treatment and later had to have a leg amputated but sadly cancer returned.
Philippa said her daughter continued to live her life while coping with having one leg. She kept working at the family’s business, Harefield Farm Shop at Hartshead Moor, Cleckheaton, and took part in a Duke of Edinburgh challenge that involved walking up a mountain and camping. She also continued to enjoy horseriding and trampolining.
“All through her treatment, she was so positive – we all were. Not once did we ever think this would be the outcome.”
(Image: Yorkshire Live)
Philippa, who runs PM Gibson School of Theatre Dance in Scholes, Cleckheaton, said her daughter had been a sporty girl who had loved dancing, cross country running, horse riding, rugby, and skiing.
She had also organised a baking sale event at the dance studio which had raised around £7,000 and was split equally between Candlelighters and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“She was completely kind and selfless,” said Philippa.
“She did look out for other people and never complained about losing her leg. Never once did she say ‘why me?’
(Image: Yorkshire Live)
“She took it on the chin and got on with it. We are all incredibly proud of her. We have had so many cards and flowers. We have had so many messages we have not got through them all. It is heartbreaking to read that people just loved her.”
Phoebe had dreams of becoming famous and whose dream job was a TV presenter on BBC show Countryfile. Phoebe’s family and friends are now working towards setting up a ‘mini zoo’ beside their farm shop so customers can see various farm animals up close. It will be called Phoebe’s Farm. She had always been asking her dad to create a little area where people could look at the animals.
(Image: Yorkshire Live)
The project is being supported by her parents, Philippa and Michael, and Phoebe’s brother Tobias, 17, and sister Imogen, 20.
On Monday the PM Gibson School of Theatre Dance posted its own tribute to Phoebe, saying: “It is with the deepest sadness that we write this post, Phoebe Rose passed away yesterday after a long fight with cancer.
“Our thoughts are with Philippa, Michael, Imogen and Tobias at this terrible time and all our love and prayers are with them. Sleep tight beautiful girl and enjoy your time with Nana and Grandad. We love you Phoebe.”
Phoebe’s funeral service will be held on May 19 at Scholes Church, Cleckheaton, from 2.30pm.
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