Tributes have been paid to a family’s brave and determined “little star” who raised thousands for charity but has sadly lost her battle with cancer.

Amy Ellery, 18, of Seascale, who studied photography at Lakes College, died last week.

Family and friends attended her funeral service at St Cuthbert’s Church, in Seascale, yesterday.

To mark Amy’s love of music, mourners were invited to wear concert T-shirts or something in her favourite colour of purple in her memory.

Following her death, her sister Becky posted online saying: “We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and support at this sad time.”

The brave teenager and her family are being recognised for raising around £20,000 in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust that helped her.

Natalie Rutherford, the trust’s fundraiser, said: “Amy always spoke very positively of her time spent on the teenage cancer unit in Newcastle, and her family should be incredibly proud of the fact that, despite her illness, she not only volunteered to help out at Teenage Cancer Trust events but, along with her sister Becky, raised thousands of pounds for the charity to help other young people with cancer.”

Further fundraisers, including a charity horse ride and taking part in the Great North Run, are now set to take place in her memory.

The horse ride will be held on August 13 at Cumbria Riding Club’s field near Gosforth. The club’s committee said: “Let’s have an amazing day to celebrate and remember this fantastic young lady.”

Dad Steve, sister Becky and a team of their friends will be tackling the Great North Run next month.

Earlier this year, Amy’s family spoke about the “nightmare” of her being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 16. She then underwent major surgery, chemotherapy and treatments.

They also revealed how the news had not deterred Amy from helping others, as she raised over £13,000 for the trust.

Steve said: “I found how brave my daughter Amy is, from what was my quiet little girl to the little star who fought through the chemotherapy and the many operations while keeping her sense of humour and determination to carry on with normal life.

He also described how proud he was of Becky who organised fundraising events and was always there for her.

Amy, who was a keen horse rider, hosted sponsored rides with Becky. Mum Gill also raised £7,000 through sponsored walks and other events.

The Teenage Cancer Trust supported Amy, who had the chance to meet some of her musical heroes – Ed Sheeran, Ricky Wilson and the Kaiser Chiefs and Busted.

She also met Olly Murs when he visited the Teenage Cancer Unit, and talked to the charity’s patron, Roger Daltrey of The Who at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

To support Steve in the Great North Run, search for Steve Ellery on www.justgiving.com to donate.