Brave Becky loses cancer battle

A Black Country teenager who was granted her dream wish to meet Liverpool star Steven Gerrard and tour the club's Anfield stadium has lost her fight against a brain tumour.

Becky Palmer, aged 19, was diagnosed with an aggressive tumour in January and given only a 25 per cent chance of survival.

She died before Christmas surrounded by her family at their home in Ragees Road, Kingswinford. Her funeral was taking place today and the mourners were asked to wear bright colours at Becky's request.

Lifelong Liverpool fan Becky saw her dream come true in September when she enjoyed a VIP trip to Anfield.

She had breakfast in the players' lounge and after chatting to them had her picture taken and Liverpool shirt signed.

Cash for the trip was raised at a fundraising bash organised by her family and friends in July. Becky arrived at the event at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital Social Club in a pink limo.

Her cousin, Rachel Hopkinson, aged 32, said: "Becky loved going to Anfield and meeting all of the players, especially Steven Gerrard. She didn't stop smiling all day after that."

Miss Hopkinson said of former Crestwood School pupil Becky: "She was a little fighter right to the end. She didn't want to let it beat her but unfortunately she just ran out of time."

She said Becky wanted her funeral today at Gornal Wood Crematorium to be a celebration of her life.

Becky's friends and family, including her parents Andrew and Louise Palmer and half-brother Rhys, have raised £6,000 for cancer and young people's charities.