TV star pays tribute at brave Kidderminster teen's funeral

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TV star pays tribute at brave Kidderminster teen's funeral

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Thursday 3rd September 2009

TV star Ben Fogle paid an emotional tribute at the funeral of a

Kidderminster teenager who was " filled with heroism " .

Brave Price died aged just 13 after years battling juvenile

arthritis, which left her in severe pain for much of her short life.

Despite her illness, which was diagnosed when she was aged four and a half

and affected every joint in her body, raised thousands of pounds

for charity, as well as becoming a star pupil at Hagley Catholic High

School.

More than 400 mourners at 's funeral in Stourbridge last Friday

heard a touching tribute from the adventurer, who met the teenager on a

number of occasions including a visit to her school with fellow explorers,

Ed Coates and Cracknell.

In a statement, Ben said: " V burst into our lives like a firework, shining

and sparkling with ferocity and magic.

" She made an impact on everyone she met and Ed, and I were all

captivated by her warmth, humour, intelligence and charisma.

" The stoicism of V was inspiring to the three of us and her short life was

filled with more heroism than any of us will achieve in a lifetime. "

spent her last weeks in a Newcastle hospital receiving chemotherapy

and bone marrow treatment to reprogramme her immune system but died

peacefully with her parents, and , at her bedside on August 16.

Speaking at their home in Kidderminster, , aged 39, said: " We feel

hollow, she has left a huge gap in our lives.

" She was a wonderful daughter, a little star who was full of fun and put 100

per cent into everything. We are very proud of her.

" Everyone who knew will remember her for her inspirational outlook

on life, her brains, her beautiful smile and her big personality. "

Her charity fund-raising and work to raise awareness of childhood arthritis

was recognised last year when was awarded the Princess Award

for her ability to improve and inspire others.

The inspirational teenager also excelled in science and maths at her Brake

Lane school.

Hagley Catholic High School headteacher, Ted Hammond, said: " was an

amazing pupil with huge academic potential. She brought happiness to so many

people.

" Her spirit and warmth will live with us forever. She will be greatly missed

at school by the staff and pupils. "