A GIRL who bravely fought cancer twice in her short life has finally lost her battle with the disease.

Mourners are being asked to wear pink to the funeral of Chloe Louise Clark, 12, from Shildon, County Durham, who died on January 18 less than a year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The youngster, who attended The Oaks school, in Spennymoor, County Durham, was diagnosed with her first brain tumour in 2004, which slowed her mental development and affected her balance.

She was cancer-free for five years before a second, larger tumour was found in April last year.

Despite undergoing another operation and enduring months of chemotherapy, Chloe never complained.

Family and friends, inspired by her courage, launched a fundraising campaign last summer to fulfil her dream to be a princess for a day.

They had wanted to raise £2,500 to fund a Royal-themed party in her honour but far exceeded their target during the first event alone – a family fun day in Shildon, at which more than £4,000 was raised.

Chloe’s wish came true in October, because after she was baptised alongside her younger brother, Lewis Hall, at St John’s Church, in Shildon, she was guest of honour at a Prince and Princess-themed party at Redworth Hall, near Newton Aycliffe.

Her older sister, Lauren, was one of her godparents.

Shildon Mayor Gareth Howe regularly attended fundraising events in aid of Chloe, and raised more than £1,400 himself after being sponsored to shave his hair and beard off.

He praised the youngster’s bravery, and said: “Chloe was a little fighter.

She was brilliant when she officially reopened the Civic Hall, despite being so poorly. The way she dealt with things made everyone take to her, and everybody who knew her will be devastated.

“My thoughts and condolences go out to her family and friends.”

Hundreds of people have left tributes to Chloe, and messages of support for her family, on social networking website Facebook.

Chloe’s funeral takes place at St John’s Church, in Shildon, on Friday, at 2.30pm.

At Chloe’s request, all mourners are asked to wear an item of pink clothing.