A TEENAGER whose brave fight against cancer saw her named a Little Star has died.

Sophie Whipp, 15, from Warbler Walk, Greater Leys, died in hospital on Sunday following a two-year battle against acute myeloid leukaemia.

Last night her parents paid tribute to their “inspirational” daughter.

Sophie’s father Brian Whipp said: “We all knew that Sophie was extremely ill but her passing is still very difficult to bear.

“We now will be strong and will pull together. Sophie made a difference to many people’s lives – there is something good in knowing that.”

Her mother Tracey Whipp added: “Sophie brought us so much inspiration. We had many good times.

“We all will miss her but we also know that she fought her battle against illness well.

“We are thankful of the support that our friends are showing at this time.”

Sophie was diagnosed with leukaemia on December 20, 2007, and underwent intensive treatment at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.

She received the Cancer Research UK Little Star award in November 2008 in recognition of the courage she had shown while battling the disease. The Oxford Academy pupil received a trophy, a £100 voucher and a certificate signed by celebrities including then Formula 1 motor racing world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Sophie was also a friend of Oxford schoolboy Jake Spicer, another former Little Star, who died last July after a five-and-a-half year battle against bone cancer.

Jake’s mother Leslie Spicer, of Greater Leys, said she knew Jake was ‘waiting for Sophie in heaven’.

She added: “He knows the routine up there and will look after her. Sophie was a gorgeous girl who brought happiness to so many people. She will be sorely missed by everybody who met her.”

Sophie’s school, in Sandy Lane, Littlemore, has started a book of remembrance.

Principal Mike Reading said: “News of Sophie’s death brings great sadness to us – the passing away of a child has so many unanswered questions.

“I have spoken to Sophie’s family; they are being extremely brave and will be using their friends and family to have the strength to face the coming days and weeks.

“We marked the news with special assemblies and we hold Sophie’s family and wider friends in our thoughts and prayers.

“Few students inspire others with the bravery in which Sophie faced her circumstances.”

Pupils have been told they can bring flowers to school as a tribute to Sophie.

Mr Reading continued: “Last year, Sophie talked to us about her hopes for the future; to work within a hospital to help others who face similar challenges to those which she faced in dealing with her illness.

“She clearly had tremendous support from her carers in the hospital.

“Staff and students have many memories of Sophie and we hope the knowledge of how she inspired others will bring some comfort to her family at this time.”