Brave little Emma loses cancer battle

Six year-old Emma Cunningham-Marques was diagnosed with a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in March 2014.

A DIPG is a tumour located in the middle of the brain stem.

The people of Derry raised thousands of pounds in 2014 when her aunt, Margaret Cunningham, from White House Park, launched an appeal for help.

Derry born footballer and Republic of Ireland international, James McClean, read about the appeal and donated a considerable amount of money to the charity fund.

“I am full of sadness and grief,” said Margaret.

“Emma was such a brave little girl. She fought until the very end.

“Although Emma lived in Florida, she was very proud of her Derry connections.

“Emma’s mum, Donna, who is from here, was so taken aback by the generosity the people of Derry showed Emma in 2014 - it’s something the family will never be able to forget.”

Emma’s parents, Donna and George, set-up a Facebook page to let people know how Emma’s treatment was going.

Donna and George also used the Facebook page to inform people of their daughter’s sad passing on Wednesday.

“Our beautiful daughter Emma Marie Marques went to be with God at 12:55am.

“Our hearts are forever broken. Please keep our family close in prayer and we would appreciate no phone calls or visitors right now as we grieve the worst lost. Our beautiful princess.”

Emma is survived by parents Donna and George and brother, Anthony.