Tributes paid to Queensbury girl Freya Lewis after her tragic death to cancer

Freya Lewis, seven, from Queensbury, passed away on May 8 and scores of tributes have poured in from those whose lives she brightened with her “positive, fun-loving character”.

She was diagnosed with the rare Adrenocortical Carcinoma three years ago after her parents Ryan, 38, and Lindsey, 39, became increasingly worried about her health. It was discovered she had an 11cm adrenal tumour and the family were told it was rare, difficult to treat and survival rates were very low. 

Freya, a pupil at Northowram Primary School, underwent an eight-month programme of chemotherapy and had surgery. She did go into remission, but then had to have further surgery after a setback.

Freya in hospital

That seemed to ease things, but earlier this year scans uncovered another large tumour and, heartbreakingly, there was nothing more which could be done. 

She had all her treatment at Leeds General Infirmary and even met Prince Harry when he visited a couple of years ago. Despite her ordeal, Freya has been remembered for her “zest for life”

When she met Prince Harry on his visit to Leeds

Ryan, who is headteacher at Co-op Academy Princeville, Lidget Green, said: “Right up until the end, she was still smiling and we still managed to have a nice time. She was always smiling, fun loving, outgoing - she would talk to anyone. She was a little character.”

Freya’s parents spoke of her resilience and how she embraced everything - on one occasion she even set up her own nail bar in hospital.

But they will also remember her kind-hearted nature - always wanting to empty her own money box into the collection box she had for The Candlelighters Trust, which supports children fighting cancer. 

Freya with her nine-year-old brother Morgan

Ryan said: “She spent her time making everyone feel better. She was a joy. 

“She always wanted to be a doctor, nurse or a vet. She talked a lot about the future and what she wanted to achieve in life. Even in the late stages, she didn’t perceive herself to be ill.

"She was such a resilient character. She could do everything that was put in front of her - she took everything with a smile.”  

Heartfelt tributes have been left following the sad news.

One said: "Freya, you were the bravest, happiest, most determined little girl, I'll miss seeing your smiley little face and waving to you through the window. I'll remember you always."

Another said: "Freya was an amazing and beautiful little girl with an infectious smile. She was an inspiration to everyone. Sleep tight."

While Covid-19 restrictions mean her funeral on Tuesday, May 26, will be restricted to 10 people, a horse-drawn procession will go from Long Lane, Queensbury, at 1.15pm down Brighouse and Denholme Gate Road, arriving in Northowram at around 1.45pm to 2pm ahead of a service at the Park Wood Crematorium in Elland for 3pm.

People are being asked to wear bright clothes in her memory as the procession passes.

Freya’s family have been fundraising for the Candlelighters children’s cancer charity.  At the time of writing, the total stood at nearly £9,000.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/freyalewis