TRIBUTES have been paid to a "beautiful" 16-year-old girl who lost her battle with cystic fibrosis.
Ffion Davies, from Greenfield, near Holywell, died in August after battling the condition all her life. She is fondly remembered by all who knew her.
A pupil at Ysgol Treffynon, Ffion was due to start college this week and wanted to pursue a career in nursing.
But in recent months, her health declined rapidly due to cystic fibrosis - a condition that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body and affects around 8,000 people in the UK.
Tragically, she died at home on August 18.
She leaves behind younger brother Rhys, and mum, Nika - as well as numerous aunties and uncles.
Her uncle, Liam Thorley, paid a touching tribute to her.
"She was such an amazing, family-orientated girl, and had the most infectious smile you could ever see," he said.
"She was in and out of hospital her whole life but the way she dealt with it was just absolutely amazing - she was so brave. She did so much to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to help other people battling it - that's just the sort of person she was."
On August 23, friends, family and members of the local community met outside Ffion's house on Basingwerk Avenue for a balloon release.
"So many people came to pay their respects at the balloon release and her funeral last Friday, it was amazing," Liam said.
"It just goes to show how much she was loved."
Ffion was particularly fond of her pug, Buddy.
"They had a special bond," Liam said.
"Since Ffion's death, Buddy hasn't been able to go into her room - the room where she died.
"We're all heartbroken."
Liam has thanked the community for their support over the last few weeks.
He said: "The Ship Inn in Greenfield put on a huge spread for everyone after the funeral, and they wouldn't accept a penny from us for it.
"We had nurses and doctors from Alder Hey and Ty Gobiath Hospice come to the funeral. They deserve a medal for all the work they do."
John Weir, headteacher at Ysgol Treffynnon, also paid tribute to Ffion.
He said: “Ffion was a wonderful young person. Despite the challenges she faced, she was strong, happy, polite, and hardworking. She demonstrated a strength of character that we can all only aspire too.
"Ffion was loved by her friends and will be greatly missed and never forgotten by all who knew her. My lasting recollection will be Ffion’s smile, it could melt your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
Other teachers described Ffion as a "warrior with a beautiful smile", a "warm and caring young lady" and a "beautiful, truly inspirational young soul".
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