A 10-YEAR-OLD girl who lost her battle with an aggressive childhood cancer has been remembered for her "incredible bravery".
Serenity Joubert from west Belfast passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, more than a year after being diagnosed with a form of lymphoma cancer.
A pupil at St Teresa's Primary School on the Glen Road, her P6 friends and teaching staff organised a party for her just a month ago hoping for her return in September.
Vice principal Una MacAllister said Serenity's name summed up her personality, describing her as the 'lovely, happy child'.
"She was diagnosed at the end of primary five and became very ill so she was unable to attend her primary six year. But she was doing well and we were hoping to have her back - her class held a big party for her at the end of June," she said.
"Serenity was in great form and making jokes - we had asked her family what should be like as a present and we gave her a keyboard.
"We can't believe she has has passed away, it is a tragedy. She was so incredibly brave. Our heart goes out to her family. She was a much loved pupil and friend."
The little girl is survived by her two sisters, Trinity and Celine, and younger brother, Brandon.
It is understood her parents, Bruce and Leah, had lived in South Africa and moved to Belfast more than a decade ago. An online fundraising page was set up last year after Mr Joubert gave up his job to assist with his daughter's care.
A prayer service will take place at 4pm today at Healy Brothers Chapel of Repose on the Andersontown Road while the funeral service will take place tomorrow at 11.30am, at St Teresa's Church on the Glen Road.
