A mum today told how her little girl "opened her eyes, looked at me and then went to sleep" as she finally succumbed to cancer.

Fiona Cairns-Connell died aged just nine having successfully overcome the illness once.

Today Fiona's mum Alison, of Woodside in Bradford, said: "She had had enough.

"At least now she is free of pain and will not have to suffer anymore.

"She was made as comfortable as possible and in the last 20 minutes she was pain free. That is how we are coping. We know she is at peace."

Fiona, a pupil at Woodside Primary School, Bradford, was diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer, in October last year.

The youngster was in intensive care at St James's Hospital for two months and was fighting for her life but in March, following a course of chemotherapy, she was declared free of cancer.

She returned home to Bewerley Crescent to be with her parents Alison and Michael and sisters seven-year-old Jessica, four-year-old Alexandra and 17-month-old Kimberly.

However on June 30 she fell ill again and doctors discovered the cancer had returned. "She was riddled with it," said 27-year-old Alison. "She was just so weak and lost loads of weight."

Despite her illness Fiona, a huge Bantams fan, managed to fulfil a dream and lead Bradford City out on to the pitch for the first game of the season.

She was also visited by City captain Stuart McCall during her time in hospital. "She was ecstatic that day," said her uncle Neil Cairns, who works at City and introduced his niece to the game.

Stuart McCall was told of Fiona's death after last night's game against Millwall.

"It's a real tragedy and I'm stunned. I met her in hospital and then when she was mascot for the Barnsley game and she was such a brave little girl," he said.

"I kept asking about her and her uncle said she seemed to be getting stronger and stronger. I was hoping to see her at more games. It's awful news and my sympathy goes out to her family."

During her last months, Fiona also saw another dream come true when she was a bridesmaid at her parents' wedding. She also celebrated her ninth birthday at home with a party for her friends last month.

"Fiona did not get down and she never complained or moaned," said Alison. "She was kind and caring and took time out for everyone."

Six weeks ago Fiona endured a course of powerful chemotherapy in a last ditch attempt to rid her of the disease.

"She did not stand a chance," said Alison. "The cancer had spread to her bone marrow and there was nothing else they could do."

Wendy Kestin, customer liaison manager at Bradford City, said: "Fiona was a lovely little girl. We loved having her at the club for the day because she was brilliant.

"We didn't think she would be able to run out on to the pitch but she did and her enthusiasm kept her going.

"We were hoping to have her back at the club later in the season as she was such a big fan. Her death is a shock to everyone and on behalf of the club I would like to pass on our condolences to her family."

A service for Fiona will be held in the private chapel of Joesph Hey and Son Ltd at Great Horton Road, Bradford, on Friday at 12.30pm prior to cremation at Scholemoor.

Family flowers only are requested but donations can be sent to Candlelighters, Children's Day Hospital, St James's Hospital, Leeds.