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'Brave warrior': Aria Hodgkiss, 4, dies 'peacefully' after battling aggressive brain tumor for 2 years

Aria Hodgkiss was given just 12 months to live. Her family mourned her death saying 'we have no idea how we will carry on each day'

WREXHAM, NORTH WALES: A four-year-old girl, who was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor and given just 12 months to live, lost her valiant battle for life on Thursday, November 1. Aria Hodgkiss, who won the hearts of Hollywood superstars and Wrexham AFC co-owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, has died "peacefully surrounded by her family," after battling a rare form of brain tumor, according to reports.

She had been diagnosed with a highly aggressive brain cancer called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) on her third birthday in May 2021, according to statement made to Daily Mail by her parents, Melani and Carl. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds made a £10,000 donation earlier this year to support alternative medical care for the little girl. Hodgkiss' parents took to twitter to share the heartbreaking news of her death.

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They said: "Our brave warrior, our baby girl Aria, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at 12:30am. We are absolutely devastated and we have no idea how we will carry on each day. But, we promise you that we will carry on for you. We love you so so much Aria." Many sympathy messages started to pour in, with one person writing, "So sorry for your loss. No adequate words for when a child is taken from us. I’m sure you’ll see to it that her legacy will live on." Another wrote, "Deepest condolences to you all ~ your heartbreak is beyond comprehension ~ just tragic x May your beautiful brave girl rest in peace x," while a third wrote, "Sending you peace, warmth, love and light at this incredibly difficult time. Step by step, minute by minute, hour by hour."

Hodgkiss' symptoms showed up in September 2020 when her parents Melanie and Carl began to notice that she was losing her balance and that her mobility was getting progressively worse. DIPG, an incurable brain tumor, has no known cure.The majority of kids pass away within 18 months after being diagnosed.

The family revealed on Tuesday, November 29,  that Hodgkiss' condition had been deteriorating and that they may only have a few days with her. Sadly, that's what happened. The family explained that their main goal had been to prolong Hodgkiss' short life as much as possible, trying various treatments with money gathered by Vicky Roberts, Hodgkiss' former babysitter, through a GoFundMe page she made, which raised an astounding £75,675.

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