A tribute to a 'diamond' as brave Hartlepool girl Keisha Watson loses her her battle with leukaemia

Tributes have been paid to Hartlepool youngster Keisha Watson – a true diamond who has lost her courageous battle with leukaemia.
By Chris Cordner
Published 22nd Mar 2021, 15:32 BST
Updated 22nd Mar 2021, 15:32 BST
Keisha Watson who has lost her fight for life with leukaemia.Keisha Watson who has lost her fight for life with leukaemia.
Keisha Watson who has lost her fight for life with leukaemia.

The 10-year-old, who passed away on Friday, was today hailed by her mum Natalie as “the bravest little girl I have ever known”.

Mum Natalie and dad Ryan Young have paid a heartfelt tribute to their daughter who was a “diamond” and a “mother hen” and who loved watching movies and colouring in.

Natalie added: “She has left a hole in our hearts.”

Keisha Watson pictured in 2015, the year she was diagnosed with leukaemia.Keisha Watson pictured in 2015, the year she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Keisha Watson pictured in 2015, the year she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
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Keisha has fought ever since she was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2015.

She had to attend hospital up to 35 times a year as she underwent chemotherapy and other treatments.

Her remarkable battle led to her becoming a Child of Courage at the Best of Hartlepool Awards in 2016 where she and the other winners received a standing ovation.

Despite her own battles, Keisha thought of others.

Keisha pictured at Christmas in 2015, the year she was the winner of the Mail's Dear Santa competition.Keisha pictured at Christmas in 2015, the year she was the winner of the Mail's Dear Santa competition.
Keisha pictured at Christmas in 2015, the year she was the winner of the Mail's Dear Santa competition.

In 2019, when she was poorly and needing chemotherapy, she got Christmas gifts for all the other children on the hospital ward at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

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Natalie said at the time: “She has always been a caring person.”

On Monday, as proud mum Natalie paid tribute to her daughter, she said: “She was so brave. She was the bravest little girl. She was a diamond.

The family also praised Hartlepool charity Miles for Men for always being there to help. “I can’t thank them enough,” said Natalie.

Keisha Watson in her horse and carriage with her mum Natalie during her 2020 special 10th birthday.Keisha Watson in her horse and carriage with her mum Natalie during her 2020 special 10th birthday.
Keisha Watson in her horse and carriage with her mum Natalie during her 2020 special 10th birthday.

The town charity stepped in to help Keisha have an amazing princess day – complete with cakes, balloons with a Frozen theme, a bouncy castle, cupcakes and a horse and carriage in 2015.

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Charity founder Micky Day said: “I have never seen another child go through as much as Keisha did and still do it with a constant smile on her face. She took it all on the chin,

"She was inspirational, she was unbelievable and she was amazing.”

Keisha got to enjoy a second princess day complete with horse and carriage ride on her 10th birthday last June and there to celebrate with her were mum Natalie, dad Ryan and siblings Kain Watson, Scarlett Watson, Bella Watson and Ryan Watson.

Keisha Watson in 2016, the year she won a Child of Courage award.Keisha Watson in 2016, the year she won a Child of Courage award.
Keisha Watson in 2016, the year she won a Child of Courage award.

Micky said the charity would be helping the family to arrange a horse and carriage for Keisha’s final journey.

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