'Cherished' girl, 16, dies just days after falling ill as school issues tribute

A school has issued a heartbreaking tribute to a young girl who died just days after falling ill. Lily Petts, 16, attended Newcastle Academy on Gallowstree Lane in Newcastle-under-Lyme. According to a GoFundMe set up to raise funds for her funeral, Lily suffered a brain bleed on April 30 and died days later after care at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Newcastle Academy described Lily as a "much-loved" student who was "kind, eloquent, and truly bright". The statement offered "thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies" to Lily's family and friends, reports Stoke-on-Trent Live . Newcastle Academy said: "It is with deep sadness that we share the devastating news of the passing of Lily Petts, a much-loved Year 11 student within our school family. "Lily was a kind, eloquent, and truly bright young lady who brought warmth and positivity to our community every single day. She was highly regarded by both staff and students for her friendly nature and the quiet way she supported those around her. "She will always be remembered as a cherished member of our school family. Her kindness, her character, and the positive difference she made to others will not be forgotten. She will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and teaching her. "Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with Lily's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. "We really appreciate our wider community, who continue to show kindness and respect for the family's privacy as we support one another through this heartbreaking loss."