By Gordon Berry

A YOUNG Fife girl who only a few weeks ago helped lead a public tribute to Celtic legend Tommy Burns has just lost her own fight for life.

Yesterday tributes were paid to eight-year-old cancer sufferer Laura Moore, of Falkland, who had neuroblastoma and a particularly aggressive form of leukaemia.

Laura, who was described by her stepdad Grant Kidd last night as “a burning light,” was one of two mascots at the end-of-season match at Tannadice between Celtic and Dundee United.

She had been chosen to walk out on to the pitch with a banner dedicated by children from the oncology ward at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.

Grant said Laura had been ecstatic when she found out she had been nominated for the honour at Tannadice and she had learned all about about the team.

Grant spoke movingly on behalf of the family and said Laura had not been in pain when she died. It was very quiet and everyone was there who had to be there.

Grant said the support of the community had been amazing and the family had not realised quite the impact Laura had.

He said, “We knew what an amazing little girl she was and she made everyone smile. She never complained and she dealt with the illness itself with incredible bravery. She was a happy girl.

“That was what got us through, we always thought why should we complain if she never did? She saw it as part of life and the card that had been dealt to her.”

He continued, “Her light might not have burned as long as some but it certainly burnt a hell of a lot brighter, and for that short time it lit up so many people’s lives.

“She will be really missed and there will be a big hole but we will never forget her.”

Laura’s mum Lynne and Grant recently moved with their family into a specially extended house with a downstairs bedroom and bathroom which Laura needed due to her ongoing treatment.

She had been treated for neuroblastoma at the age of four and underwent high-dose chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh.

After a year of treatment she had only a year of good health before she suffered a relapse and although she received a different type of chemotherapy, in November it was confirmed she had also developed leukaemia—a rare side effect of the treatment.

She lived in Falkland with Grant, Lynne, sister Cara (12) and two-year-old brother Ewan.

She was described by the by the family as being “full of beans,” always smiling and having a spirit which affected everyone she met.

She was recently the star guest at a sponsored walk in the village which raised funds for CHAS.

She also enjoyed a helicopter ride over Fife, organised by her oncology nurse, and last year the whole family went to EuroDisney, thanks to charity TCCL (Tayside Children with Cancer and Leukaemia).

Many in the community rallied round to help the family, and local councillor David Mac Diarmid helped to liaise with Fife Council to ensure the family could move house as soon as possible. He also organised a team of helpers to move the family’s belongings to their new home.

Grant reserved special praise for Mr MacDiarmid, who he said had come into the family’s lives when they were at their lowest.

“Everyone did their bit, but David helped Laura in such a short time and in such a way that probably he can’t even imagine,” he said.

“What he did allowed Laura to stay at home. If we had still been in the other house Laura would have had to go to the hospice or the hospital and she would not have been happy. We will be forever grateful.”

Yesterday, obviously deeply touched by the way he came to know the family, Councillor MacDiarmid said he wanted to pay tribute to a girl whose nature and enthusiasm for life touched everyone who met her.

“She showed great courage over the last four years in the face of more than most people could endure, but this little girl never complained,” said Mr MacDiarmid.

Mr MacDiarmid also paid tribute to Laura’s parents, saying, “Thank you and be brave, the support of the community is with you and your wee angel Laura.”

The chairman of Falkland Community Council, Anthony Garrett, said the thoughts of the body are with the family.

“I know that Laura will be remembered with great affection,” he said.

The head teacher at Falkland Primary, Gillian Knox, said, “The whole school and the wider community have been deeply saddened to hear of Laura’s death and she will leave behind her a huge hole in our hearts.”

She added, “We will be talking with the pupils later this week to consider how best we can remember Laura together within the school.”

A spokesman at Celtic Football Club said yesterday the news was tragic for Laura’s family and friends.

He said the whole team had met Laura and everyone at the club had been saddened by her death.

“The thoughts of everyone here are with Laura’s family at this difficult time,” he said.

He added that the club would be inviting the family to visit Celtic Park at some point during the season.