A HEADTEACHER has paid tribute today to a brave 17-year-old girl who has died after a long battle against leukaemia.Naomi Shaw, who attended Northgate High School, in Ipswich, died on Sunday.

A HEADTEACHER has paid tribute today to a brave 17-year-old girl who has died after a long battle against leukaemia.

Naomi Shaw, who attended Northgate High School, in Ipswich, died on Sunday.

As well as being diagnosed with leukaemia, in May 2004, the lower sixth form student also fought against neutropenia from birth, a rare debilitating bone marrow illness that weakened her immune system.

Neil Watts, her headteacher, said: “The staff and students of Northgate High School have been saddened and upset by the death of Naomi after struggling so long with her illness.

“Over the last few years she has battled courageously with leukaemia. Throughout this time she has shown a great determination in trying to brush aside the impact on her and her studies.

“Naomi lived life to the full, making the very most of all of the opportunities she had before her. Everyone who knew her will always remember her courage and determination.”

In 2004, her family issued an emotional appeal for help in finding a bone marrow donor.

It was thought this had proved successful late last year, when Naomi underwent a transplant after a bone marrow match was found. However, it soon became apparent this had failed when her body rejected it.

Naomi, who had ambitions to become a child psychologist, then went through research trials at a London hospital as her family looked at alternative ways of finding a cure for her condition.

Before Easter, Naomi appeared to be making good progress in her battle and was continuing her studies.

But since then, her condition deteriorated rapidly.