A “REMARKABLE” teenager whose battle with cancer inspired hundreds to raise funds for research has passed away.

Maisie Norton, from Grove, died on Thursday at the age of 17.

As a 15-year-old, Maisie and another young cancer sufferer from Wantage, Mikayla Beames, inspired more than 500 people to join a sponsored run and walk in the town for Cancer Research UK.

Maisie won awards for her fundraising and inspired those around her with her “indomitable” spirit.

She leaves her father Steven, her mum Rosie, big sister Ellie and younger brother Owen.

Her school, King Alfred’s Academy, Wantage, said staff and pupils were devastated by the loss of a much-loved student.

Head of sixth form Tim Lawrence said: “Maisie was a remarkable young woman and we all feel very privileged to have known and worked with her.

“She was unfailingly positive and committed to her studies, despite the challenges of her illness, and was exceptionally brave and cheerful, especially when life was toughest for her.

“She was a fantastic role model, both in terms of her attitude to her work in her health and social care and science courses, and in terms of her approach to life in and out of school. We will miss her very badly.”

Maisie was first diagnosed with cancer in 2009 when a tumour was found on her left kidney.

That kidney was removed in a six-hour operation and she was given the all-clear in 2012 but relapsed three times.

In April 2014, Maisie and seven-year-old Mikayla helped transform Wantage Market Place into a festival of fundraising for Cancer Research UK and other charities dubbed Wantage Standing up to Cancer.

More than 500 people including Maisie and Mikayla joined a sponsored run or walk on April 27 and more joined the fundraising fete.

The month before, Maisie had been presented with the Jake Spicer Special Recognition Award for her fundraising at the Oxfordshire Youth Awards at Oxford’s New Theatre.

In August last year she passed 11 of her GCSEs at King Alfred’s, a landmark she thought she might never have reached.

That same month at the academy’s annual awards event she was presented with the Governors’ Award in recognition of her “indomitable spirit” and determination to lead a normal life.

King Alfred’s has set up a commemorative area in the sixth form with flowers and photos and invites students to contribute to a book of memories.

Mr Lawrence said: “Sixth form students, in particular, are supporting each other, and our staff and counselling team are on hand to provide support.”