LITTLE Madison Parton has died after losing her battle with cancer.

The four-year-old passed away at the Donna Louise Trust's Treetops Hospice on Thursday evening, a week after it was revealed her cancer had spread.

Madison, from Sandford Hill, touched the hearts of many people after being diagnosed with the rare cancer rhabdo-myosarcoma in February 2008.

She received the all-clear 12 months ago, only for it to return two months later.

Last week, her mum Annette, pictured above with Madison, said doctors had given her weeks to live.

Annette, lead tributes to Madison, describing her as "a little princess", who will never be forgotten.

The 34-year-old, of Sandford Hill, told The Sentinel: "Madison was the most inspirational little girl. There will never, ever be another Madison.

"She taught us so many things – how to cope, how to get on with life and how to love and care."

When Madison was diagnosed with cancer, many people rallied around to hold fund-raisers for her.

Events such as leg waxes, raffles and music nights were held and people also came forward with their own donations.

Happier times for Madison included a fancy dress party to mark her third birthday and being offered the chance to ride in a fire engine-style limo.

Her family were hopeful at the start of this year that being accepted on a new drug trial would bring her better health.

But Madison managed only the first round of chemotherapy before her condition deteriorated.

Scans then showed that the cancer had spread to her chest, lungs and back.

Annette kept a 24-hour vigil beside Madison's bed when she was admitted to the Treetops hospice three weeks ago.

She was there with Madison when she passed away, along with her dad Simon Allsop and her sisters.

The family are now planning fund-raising events for the Donna Louise Children's Hospice Trust in memory of Madison and also plan to donate money raised before Madison's death to the Trentham Lakes charity.

Annette, who has three other children, Lauren, aged 15, Megan, nine, and seven-year-old Tyler, said Madison will be remembered for her smile.

She said: "Madison is at peace now, but still has that smile on her face.

"People will always remember it and it will live on because people will smile when they think of her.

"We I'd like to thank everyone that has been part of Madison's life.

"People were very good to her and I am sure they will be thankful to have known her."

Dawn Kemp jumped in to help Madison straight after her first diagnosis, organising events for her and twice being sponsored to have her head shaved.

The 37-year-old, of Marlow Road, Sandford Hill, said today: "Madison made us proud and fought till the end.

"She was our shining star and now she will shine brighter. Everyone will remember her because she touched so many hearts."

Susan Thorley helped publicise fund-raising events for Madison by producing and distributing posters.

The full-time carer, aged 41, of Maple Place, Meir, said: "It is really heart-breaking, but Madison touched so many people. It was her smile that did it."