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Brave Hanna loses battle on 19th birthday

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A Mearns teenager lost her battle with cancer yesterday – just hours after reaching her goal of seeing in her 19th birthday.

Hanna Whyte was diagnosed with choroid plexus carcinoma, an aggressive cancer that presents itself as a fast-growing brain tumour, two months ago.

She was given just weeks to live, but set herself the goal of celebrating her birthday – which she shares with her father, Billy.

Yesterday the teen reached the milestone, but later slipped away.

It is a double tragedy for the family as her two-year-old brother Corrie died of the same illness 15 years ago.

Last night family friend Caroline Duncan paid tribute to Hanna and described her as a “fighter”, who always looked out for her friends.

Mrs Duncan said: “She was a fighter to the end. I don’t think I ever heard her complain once about anything.

“At least she’s no longer in any pain and she achieved her goal of seeing in her 19th birthday, which is also her dad’s birthday too.

“She always looked out for her friends and helped them whenever she could, it’s just the type of person she was.”

Hanna’s 12-year-old sister Samantha – who now must undergo tests to see if she could be affected by the disease – plays the snare drum for Howe O’ The Mearns Pipe Band, who rallied round to support the family after learning of her diagnosis.

Hanna often took photographs and videos to promote the band, which was set up by Mrs Duncan’s husband Davie, and helped with their fundraising efforts.

Mrs Duncan added: “She would quite happily shake a bucket to collect money for us. She was quite forceful, in a good way, and always keen to help.”

After being diagnosed earlier this year, Hanna underwent a successful operation to remove one of the tumours, but doctors could not treat the second one.

A few weeks ago, she left Roxburghe House in Aberdeen to return home to Fettercairn, where her heartbroken mother Angela said they were doing everything they could to make her comfortable.

Her friends from the pipe band even went round to the family home and performed for her so she could see Samantha play the drum one last time.

The group, who will have a celebration of Hanna’s life at their practice tonight,fri also organised a fundraising coffee morning and leg waxing event on May 24 so Mr and Mrs Whyte do not have to pay for a second child’s funeral. It will be held at Masonic Hall, Laurencekirk from 10am-1pm.