VIDEO: Family is devastated by Sarah's death
Friday, 9.10am - A MOTHER has told of her heartbreak at the death of her beloved 18-year-old daughter.
Friday, 9.10am - A MOTHER has told of her heartbreak at the death of her beloved 18-year-old daughter. Describing her as "lovable and fiery", Andrea Stark is devastated by the death of young Sarah, who was diagnosed with a sarcoma tumour in her chest in January.
%%Could not get body element policy for VersionedContentId(1.29398.UNDEFINED)But tragically, it was not the tumour which killed her - weeks after being told her chemotherapy treatment was working and the cancer was no longer terminal, Sarah caught an infection and died days later.
%%Could not get body element policy for VersionedContentId(1.29397.UNDEFINED)Andrea, 41, of Clyde Court, Grantham, said: "When doctors gave her the good news about the tumour, she started jumping around saying she wasn't dying.
%%Could not get body element policy for VersionedContentId(1.29396.UNDEFINED)"The hospital let her out for three weeks last month and she wanted to spend the first week with her boyfriend James in Lincoln.
%%Could not get body element policy for VersionedContentId(1.29395.UNDEFINED)"Near the end of the week she was in a lot of pain and started to take her painkillers, but then one morning she just stopped breathing. It was the day she was supposed to come home."
%%Could not get body element policy for VersionedContentId(1.29394.UNDEFINED)The infection had caused severe internal bleeding in her colon.
%%Could not get body element policy for VersionedContentId(1.29393.UNDEFINED)Fun-loving Sarah, sister to six, went to Huntingtower Primary School and then St Hugh's Maths and Computing College, where she embraced her love for music.
Feeling most at home with her bass guitar in her hands writing songs, Sarah played in various bands. She dreamed of becoming a rock star and signed up to an access to music course in Lincoln.
Andrea said: "She was one of those kids you either loved or hated. She wouldn't follow the crowd.
"If her friends or family needed help, she was the first one there. Everyone was so hopeful for her."
While undergoing treatment in Nottingham, Sarah formed a strong bond with 19-year-old Sadie, another cancer patient.
To mark their special friendship, Sarah took dozens of photos and made a music video using one of the songs recorded by her band.
David Stark, Sarah's adoptive father, said: "I know that Sarah's love of art and music came from me.
"There is nothing I wouldn't give to bring her back into our lives but I know that's not possible.
"She was bright and very talented in music. She was loud and proud and enjoyed life."
Sarah's brother David Junior Stark, 5, said: "I loved Sarah so much and I miss her.
"When I feel upset at school, I go and see my teacher and she talks to me.
"After the funeral, I did a talk about Sarah at school and my friends asked me questions about her, and then everyone drew pictures for me."
MORE than 150 people attended Sarah's funeral, which she had planned herself when doctors told her the cancer was terminal.
She was buried in a white coffin and had asked three of the people closest to her to each place a rose on top - a white one was thrown in by Andrea to represent life, a red rose for love was thrown in by James, and Sadie laid down a black one to signify their friendship.
Sarah ordered all the women to wear red and black, and all the men to wear casual clothes.
During the service, Andrea stood up and read out an emotionall speech written by Sarah, leaving not a dry eye in the chapel.
FACEBOOK TRIBUTES
Lyndsey Judd wrote:
As much as we had our arguements, we got on like a house on fire. I miss ya so much. Ur my lil messy Sod. And i will never 4got that. With ur bass guitar and chessecake. Rest in peace babe and remember, the battle is not over, many people are so proud of u and will remember ya 4 who u are, the bright shinin Star. Love always from linzi xxx
Kirsti Jackson wrote:
Party on Sarah, i will always remember your giggles,cos you never stopped!!!
Bekki Olley wrote:
To all those who attended the funeral...i think i can safely say for all that the service was beautiful. Sarah although she may be gone, still can make us laugh.
All my love goes to her family, and my gratitude goes to them for putting together a special day for us all to remember.
We miss you sas.
Cheryl Tuohy wrote:
a little fire ball, who never failed to make us smile with her dramatic scenes. very popular and touched the hearts of all who worked and lived with her. so so sorry that this has happened, sarah was a shinning star on earth and will brighten the heavens forever. sadly and fondly remembered.
Judith Robinson wrote:
R.I.P huni u wil neva eva b 4gten. u were reali gd 2 me weneva i felt dwn nsad u were there cheerin me up makin sure tht i was ok miss u always huni Rest In Peace bbe
Thomas-James Lovell wrote:
You will be missed babe... Gonna miss your cheeky comments u used to give me in town when i saw u and most of all them hugs =( ... RIP babe xx
Toby Dones wrote:
I can't believe that someone as wonderful as you is gone. You were one of the brightest stars in this life.
It's heartbreaking that someone as amazing as you has been taken from us in the prime of your life. Sarah you will be remembered in our hearts forever.
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Saturday 13 March 2010
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