Parkes is mourning the loss of a very special little lady, Lilly Wyburn.
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After a long and difficult battle with leukaemia eight-year-old Lilly passed away on Sunday, November 12.
Her parents Jodie and Kane said Lilly loved everyone and everything which was why she was so loved in return.
“During her too short life she was the sweetest, bravest child anyone could ask for,” they said.
“She never complained and never stopped smiling.”
Jodie and Kane describe Lilly as a mother hen who worried about everyone else’s feelings before her own.
“She was wise beyond her years, polite and kind, and despite everything, she was happy,” they said.
Jodie and Kane have many people they wish to thank for their support, now and throughout Lilly’s six-and-a-half-year battle.
“Firstly, our family and friends for their unwavering support and love, looking after Logan, helping with hospital visits, appointments and so much more,” they said.
“The doctors and nurses and support staff for their professional care both in and out of hospital.
“Lilly’s school Parkes East, the faculty and her school mates for making Lilly’s time at school wonderful and the place she looked forward to visiting the most.
“Community organisations, charities and the people of Parkes for gathering around our family and showering us with kindness.”
Lilly’s principal and friend, Michael Ostler said the collective heart of the entire Parkes East School community is breaking at the passing of Lilly, a much loved and admired member of the school family.
“From her first day at school we knew that Lilly was a rather special little girl, who despite her difficult medical journey was a rather bold personality,” Michael said.
“Lilly had the capacity to bring joy to others. Always up for a chat, she would talk to anyone.”
Michael said sometimes Lilly would sit in the school foyer.
“She was the greatest advertisement for the friendliness of our school, as she struck up a conversation with every person who came through the door,” he said.
“Even the oxygen mask didn’t stop Lilly!”
Michael described Lilly as a born organiser, who wasn’t beyond bossing people about when she thought they needed it.
“Poor younger brother Logan was often the recipient of Lilly’s advice,” he said.
Michael said despite this “advice giving” trait Lilly made friends readily as students and adults recognised the radiance of this little girl.
“Her favourite colours were pink and purple and as a tribute to Lilly, students – even boys – had their nails painted in bright colours on Monday.”
The condolences of the entire Parkes East School community are extended to Lilly’s family.
“We know that while her life was cut very short, Lilly will forever live deep within our hearts,” Michael said.
Since Monday there has been an outpouring of emotion on the Likes for Lilly facebook page where thousands of people have followed Lilly’s journey over the years.
A service celebrating Lilly’s life will be held at the Holy Family Catholic Church on Friday at 11am followed by a private family cremation.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukaemia Foundation.
