Ruby Owen from Kidsgrove dies at Donna Louise Hospice
A five-year-old Staffordshire girl, who had undergone pioneering treatment for a rare form of brain tumour, has died.
Ruby Owen, from Kidsgrove, died at The Donna Louise Children's Hospice. She was first diagnosed with the tumour in 2009.
A total of of nearly £300,000 was raised in two appeals to take her to the US for treatment.
Her family posted a message on Twitter saying "She is with the angels now. Heartbroken. Thank u for the support."
The charity Caudwell Children helped raise the money and spokesman Ben Sutcliffe said Ruby's story "touched many people's hearts".
He said: "As a charity we fundraise all around the country, but never had we seen an outpouring of emotion like we did when we asked the local community for help and donations for Ruby."
'Passed away peacefully'
After the first diagnosis she was flown to the US and after treatment, a scan revealed her cancer had gone.
But in February this year a second tumour was revealed and £120,000 was raised to send her back to the US for more proton therapy, which is unavailable in the UK.
A statement from the Donna Louise Children's Hospice in Trentham said: "Ruby Owen passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
"Her family continue to receive support from the hospice and we ask that their privacy is respected during this very difficult time."