THE parents of a Weymouth schoolgirl who died after a brave battle with cancer paid tribute to their ‘caring, clever and outgoing’ daughter.

Nine-year-old Aimee Charlotte Nicholson passed away peacefully at home in the loving care of her mum Alex and dad Kevin.

The youngster was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February 2010 and her parents were told in April this year that she had just weeks to live.

Her dad Kevin, of Milton Close, said his daughter ‘touched so many lives’ and ‘would be sorely missed’.

Aimee, who attended St John's Primary School when she felt well enough, was set to have a bone marrow transplant in January but this was postponed when doctors said she needed further chemotherapy.

Kevin, 38, added: “The chemotherapy didn’t work and we found her illness had become terminal in early April.

“Aimee was a caring, clever and outgoing person- she was always asking questions and chatting away to people.”

The couple spoke of how they were determined to fill the last weeks of Aimee’s life with as much fun as possible.

Her mum Alex, 40, said: “We did so many things as a family including a trip to London and Center Parcs and Aimee had a great time – she was a real fun-loving girl.”

Aimee’s parents were shocked when told their only child had cancer but said they have been helped enormously by family and friends.

Despite her gruelling cancer treatment, the youngster used to pop into the Melcombe Day Hospital to cheer up the people attending.

She even received a Little Star Award from Cancer Research UK in January last year, to commemorate her efforts.

Aimee started visiting the hospital when her mum became a clerical assistant there in 2008 but sadly due to a health relapse last August her visits had to stop.

Lesley Benham MBE, team leader at Melcombe Day Hospital, nominated Aimee for the award.

She said Aimee was an ‘extremely bright’ and ‘inspirational young lady’ who had a ‘zest for life’.

“No words can express the joy Aimee has given to so many people, so brave, so determined and caring, she will always be our ‘shining star’.”

Helen Johnstone, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK in Dorset, said: “I know her parents are very proud of what Aimee did for others and I hope their memories of those happier times will help them with their sad loss.”

CLIC Sargent social worker Tricia Martin said: “Aimee was such an inspiring little girl who endured a long and hard journey through her treatment. It was a privilege to support Aimee and her family throughout her illness.