THE parents of a girl who died after a brave three-year battle with a rare form of cancer have paid tribute to their “inspirational” daughter.

Denise and John Channing, of Rowan Avenue, Chingford, described seven-year-old Mackenna as a “fighter” and said she had inspired many people in her short lifetime.

Mackenna was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in January 2007 and died two weeks ago.

Mrs Channing, 45, said: “She was a fighter right until the end.

“Mackenna was an inspiration to a lot of people. She was such a happy little girl and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

“We didn't realise how many people's lives she touched in her seven years. We feel lost without her.” Ewings Sarcoma is a rare cancer which affects children.

Mackenna underwent several courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at University College London Hospital.

The cancer first affected her leg and she had a major operation to remove the tumour and repair damage, which resulted in her having to use crutches. But, in spite of her illness, Mr Channing, 47, said Mackenna never cried or complained throughout her treatment.

He said: “She was very brave. Considering what she had to go through, she never ever complained.

“She just got on with things as if it was normal.”

Mackenna's funeral, which took place last week, saw friends line the streets along the route from the family home to the City of London Cemetery.

Fellow pupils of Mackenna's brothers Aaron, 15, and 17-year-old Ben, at Rush Croft School, in Rushcroft Road, Chingford, lined the roadside as the procession passed.

Staff from Wood Street Health Centre, where community nurses who cared for Mackenna are based, all came out of the centre wearing pink to say a final farewell to her.

Mrs Channing said: “It was amazing to see so many people turn out to say goodbye to Mackenna.

“No-one should ever have to go to their own child's funeral, but seeing how many people cared about her made it better.”

The Channings also said they wanted to thank people who had helped during the years of Mackenna's illness, including Chase Lane Primary School - where Mackenna was a pupil - Rush Croft School and The Obelisk in Chingford Mount, who all raised funds to buy her a laptop and send her on a dream holiday to Florida.

Mr Channing plans to run next year's London Marathon in aid of children’s cancer charity Clic Sargent.