A BRAVE youngster who touched the hearts of many people with her courage and determination has lost her three-year struggle against leukaemia.

Thirteen-year-old Sophie Rogers died peacefully at her home in Bettws with her mum, Natasha, and dad, Ricky, at her side.

"Sophie had a tremendous and sometimes wicked sense of humour," said Mrs Rogers.

"She was very strong-minded, but God has decided that Sophie had fought long enough and that He was ready to welcome her into heaven.

"She is now one of His precious angels and will be looking down on her family and guiding them through these difficult times."

Mr and Mrs Rogers added that due to the nature of their daughter's illness they were privileged to be with Sophie 24 hours a day, and they were comforted by that as many parents do not get that amount of time with their children.

In the three years of her illness Sophie had good times with her parents, brother Nathan, sister Alys and the rest of the family.

Her grandmother, Sheila Evans, said Sophie had many joyful experiences, such as visiting Liverpool Football Club and Downing Street, as well as many visits from pop and sporting celebrities.

"Her trip to Liverpool was a highlight, and a Liverpool top signed by Michael Owen her most prized possession."

Sophie was first diagnosed with leukaemia in December 2001, and after making a recovery returned to school the following September.

But the illness returned that December, and she underwent a bone marrow transplant in May 2003.

"From that date onwards she fought hard and was extremely brave," said Mrs Evans. "She lived her whole life to the full in a short time.