Cancer-stricken girl who set birthday card record dies

By Ed Chatterton and Kirsty-Louise Card

A little girl with cancer who captured hearts across the globe after receiving a record-breaking 304,000 birthday cards has died just two weeks after turning eight.

Amelia Kolpa passed away surrounded by her family at 5 p.m. Tuesday afternoon after battling stage-4 high-risk neuroblastoma since she was two years old.

To celebrate her eighth birthday this year, while under palliative care, the youngster said she wanted to try and break the world record for the most birthday cards ever received.

She had been hoping to get around 8,000 cards but smashed her target after being sent more than 300,000 by well-wishers from all over the world.

An online appeal by her family had encouraged people to drop off cards at three locations in her local area in Rowley Regis, West Mids., but within the days the campaign went viral.

Hundreds of motorcyclists handed more than 60,000 cards to Amelia last month but mum Katarzyna Bartczak was left stunned after the family also started getting cards from across the globe including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Yesterday she took to social media to share the heartbreaking news Amelia was "no longer suffering" following the death of their "beloved, bravest little warrior."

Katarzyna wrote: "My dear ones…I’m writing this with a pain that words cannot describe…

"Today at 5:00 PM, our beloved, bravest little warrior – Amelia – passed away… She has put on her angel wings.

"She is no longer suffering. She is no longer in pain. She is in a place where everything is beautiful, peaceful, and full of light…For nearly 6 years, she fought with a strength beyond imagination.

"Every single day, she showed us what true courage looks like. She showed the whole world that even the smallest heart can hold the greatest power.

"And that love – pure, unconditional love – truly overcomes everything…Our dearest Amelia, you were and always will be our greatest miracle. Our heart. Our light…

"Thank you for every moment, every smile, every glance… for the love you taught us.This is not goodbye… it’s “see you again,” our little Angel. We love you forever…"

Supporters have rushed to the comments to leave messages of condolence to Amelia's loved ones. One said: "Amelia has inspired so many people. Love to you & your family. X."

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Another added: "Thinking of you all today rest easy princess x," while a third wrote: "So sorry for your loss. A beautiful angel taken way to soon. Forever 8. Sending love and hugs xxx."

Amelia's school Highfields Primary School, in Rowley Regis, posted a tribute on social media and said: "It is with very heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of one of our much-loved children, Amelia, who bravely fought Neuroblastoma.

"Amelia has been a special part of our school community for many years.

"Several members of staff first remember her as a tiny baby on the playground, happily accompanying her older siblings into Highfields.

"We have had the privilege of following her journey since she first joined us in Nursery, watching her grow and flourish into the wonderful young girl she became.

"Throughout everything she faced, Amelia showed incredible strength and courage. What so many of us will remember most, however, is her beautiful smile.

"It was the kind of smile that brought warmth and happiness to everyone around her. Her positivity, determination and gentle spirit touched the hearts of countless staff and children across the school.

"We know this news will be very upsetting for many members of our community, and particularly for the children who knew Amelia.

"Staff will be supporting the children sensitively and speaking with them in an age-appropriate way.

"If your child has questions or needs additional reassurance at home, please know that this is completely natural and we encourage you to speak openly and gently with them.

"We feel incredibly proud to have been part of Amelia’s journey and to have watched her grow over the years.

"She brought so much joy to our community and will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

"Amelia will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her, but she will always be remembered for her bravery, her kindness and the huge smile that brightened our school.

"In the coming months, we hope to create a stained-glass window in Amelia’s memory, so that her light and beautiful spirit will always remain a part of our school.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Amelia’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. She will always remain a treasured part of our community."