Tributes from a heartbroken local community are being paid to two teenage fundraisers, who both passed away during last week. Lucia Robinson and Emma Welch had been campaigning tirelessly for charities and causes to help others over the past few years, despite battling with their own health issues.

Sixteen-year-old Writhlington School student, Lucia Robinson, lost her fight with cancer last Wednesday, having been suffering from astrocytoma, an aggressive form of cancer in her spinal cord. Despite her illness and enduring operations and gruelling chemo and radiotherapy, Lucia was determined to help those who had helped her and others in similar situations.

Alongside her family, she set up the 'Go Blue for Lucia' campaign, raising money and gifting toys for Bristol Children's Hospital and working alongside local charity, Time is Precious, to provide for other children staying on the ward she had been treated in. Her charitable work saw her honoured with the Young Person of the Year Award at the Bath Chronicle Pride Awards, which she received from her hospital bed. The total of funds she has raised now nears £7,000.

The Facebook page set up to promote Lucia's campaign posted last week: 'Lucia is singing in the sunlight now, in a place where there is no more pain, a place where she can see us and hear our words of love clearly.

'She passed to that beautiful place on Wednesday evening, with her family around her. She will always inspire us and light up all our lives. Please keep her family close to your hearts.

'Many of her friends are sitting exams at this most difficult time. If you can support them, please do so. With love and gratitude for all your support.'

Mark Everett, Headteacher at Writhlington School, said this week: "Despite her illness, Lucia put huge effort into her life, both at school and outside, and she was an inspiration to us all. She was an incredible young woman, who had an amazing sense of humour, was kind and thoughtful about others before herself. She has left a huge mark on the school and everyone who knew her and as a result – she will not be forgotten and will be greatly missed at Writhlington."

Even after being told there was nothing more doctors could do for her and moving to Charlton Farm Hospice, Lucia's final wishes were for her bedroom to be transformed into a playroom for her older brothers to remember her. Her family and friends set up a separate fundraising campaign to help fulfil her final wishes and also to give something back to her – which included receiving personalised messages from street dance troupe, Diversity, and Charlie Simpson, formerly of boy band, Busted, which put a smile on her face.

Lucia's family were planning a 'spectacular send-off' for her as we went to press on Tuesday, with a Remembrance Service in the afternoon at Holy Trinity Church, in Frome. Friends and family were able to sign her casket, which was one of her wishes, another of which was that no-one wear black – it was expected that many would 'go blue' for her – a perfect tribute.

To donate to Lucia's family collection, visit: http://www.gofundme.com/luciablue">www.gofundme.com/luciablue Her JustGiving appeal for Time is Precious, which donates equipment to local hospitals, is: http://www.justgiving.com/GoBlueForLucia">www.justgiving.com/GoBlueForLucia

Following last week's front page of The Journal, we are also very sad to report the news that fourteen-year-old Emma Welch, who had very recently returned from unofficially setting a World Record by hosting the largest teddy bear's picnic at the top of Snowdon in aid of Brain Tumour Research, died in hospital last Thursday morning following complications from surgery to correct her spinal curvature.

Over the past few years, Emma has raised over £5,000 for Brain Tumour Research, scaling the height of Mount Everest at Writhlington's Climbing Wall and cycling 1,000 miles, despite being very sore and uncomfortable. Earlier this year, she received the accolade of Achiever in Sport with a learning/physical disability at the B&NES Chairman's Sport Awards.

Liz Fussey, Regional PR Manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "Emma was an inspirational teenager, who embodied the true meaning of what it is to be an entirely selfless and caring person. She was dedicated to improving the lives of others. Her parents hope that her legacy will lead to greater awareness and, ultimately, a cure for brain tumours.

"I get to talk to so many supporters and fundraisers, but it became clear from the times I spoke to Emma that she was truly remarkable. I have never encountered anyone like her, such drive and tenacity in someone so young. I am deeply saddened and my heart goes out to her parents for the loss of their adored daughter."

Local church minister, Andrew Stammers, who inspired Emma to raise the money for the charity, said: "Emma was an amazing young woman. Her passion and determination was exceptional. She put everyone before herself to raise awareness of brain tumours and to support vital research. She dedicated her young life in a way that was truly remarkable.

"Emma did consider delaying her ascent of Snowdon until after her surgery, but I am so glad she went ahead with it – we now have such wonderful memories and pictures of her from that day as a lasting legacy.

"Emma's parents have requested that anyone who wants to express their sympathies to do so by making a donation on her Justgiving page: http://www.just">www.just giving.com/Emma-Welch5 rather than sending flowers. We know that is what Emma would have wanted."To date, Emma's fundraising page for the Snowdon challenge has raised over £5,900, with many donating £135, a pound for each teddy that she took to the top of the mountain.

Speaking in tribute of her this week, Emma's Headteacher at Norton Hill School, Alun Williams, said: "Emma was such an inspiration to young people and adults alike. She was hardworking, caring and always had a smile on her face. The students, staff and all those in the school community are deeply saddened by the tragic news. She will be greatly missed and we will always remember her. Our thoughts are with her family and friends."

At the request of Emma's family, the charity have also set up a mobile number that will donate to the cause as well. Readers can text EMMA15 £5 to 70070 to donate £5. All funds go to Brain Tumour Research.