A popular north-east schoolgirl who inspired a major fundraising drive has lost her brave battle with a rare form of cancer.
Mintlaw Academy pupil Catherine Melrose was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia early last year. The teenager, who went through grueling bouts of chemotherapy, was told she needed a stem cell transplant and a search for a donor was launched.
It was originally hoped that her younger sister Lizze would be a match, but her results eventually came back negative.
The 17-year-old, from Longside, near Peterhead, died at the weekend.
Despite her illness, Catherine – along with her family – had worked tirelessly to promote and raise funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust charity.
To date, More than £50,000 has been donated to the charity in Catherine’s name through internet service Justgiving.com.
Last night, Mintlaw head teacher Alan Horberry paid tribute to Catherine, describing her as an “outgoing, extremely kind and loyal young lady”.
He said: “She will be remembered very fondly by staff and pupils alike, especially her ability to get along with everyone.
“Catherine was hard working and dedicated, but most of all friendly. She put a smile on anyone who came into contact with her and those that did will miss her terribly.”
Last night, Catherine’s family declined to speak, but announced on social media that a celebration of their daughter’s life would be held at Peterhead funeral director Robert Mackie’s premises on Thursday, July 10. She will be cremated at Buckie two days later.
Catherine’s condition was discovered after she complained of regular headaches in the run-up to Christmas 2012.
Following a series of blood tests, she was told that she may have leukaemia and was submitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for a bone marrow check which confirmed her condition.
Since the weekend, family and friends have flooded social networking sites with messages of condolence.
One posted: “She has gone well before her time, but left an imprint on so many people’s hearts.” Another wrote: “How Catherine fought this terrible disease was truly inspirational.”
In March last year, Mrs Melrose said: “Catherine has just got on with it and has been helping with fundraising events.
“As a family, we have been totally overwhelmed by the support shown for us emotionally and financially for Catherine’s chosen charities.”