Parents of girl who sang for Cowell 'gave her best year of life'
The parents of a five-year-old girl who died from a brain tumour days after singing for Simon Cowell had strived to give her “the best year of her life”, her godmother said today.
Bethany Fenton, who performed 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' for the 'Britain’s Got Talent' judge at the weekend, died yesterday in her parents’ arms with her family around her.
Brave Bethany, from Gloucestershire in England, had fought the illness for more than a year and had been through radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Her mother, Jemma, and father, Sean, filled her year with trips to places such as Eurodisney and 'Dancing On Ice', culminating in the private performance for Cowell.
In the special visit on Saturday, Bethany sang to the TV talent judge before meeting the finalists.
She was introduced to street dancers Twist And Pulse, singing grandmother Janey Cutler and teenage drumming sensation Kieran Gaffney.
Bethany died at the Helen House children’s hospice in Oxford early yesterday evening after being taken there from the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Her godmother, Carol-Anne Partridge, from Somerset, said today: “She was the most beautiful, kind, cuddly little girl. She was everything a little girl is supposed to be and she will be sadly missed.
“Every time anyone saw her – some five-year-olds are a bit coy – but she always gave the biggest and longest hugs.
“We are so proud of how Jemma and Sean tried their absolute best to give her the best year of her life.”
Bethany was diagnosed with grade 3/4 anaplastic astrocytoma in January 2009. Tests showed the tumour was inoperable and her family worked to raise funds for other possible treatments to prolong her life.
The family live with other daughters Gracie, aged two, and two-month-old Millie, and Bethany’s half-brother, Louis, aged 10.
Speaking after the trip to 'Britain’s Got Talent', the Gloucestershire Echo reported a delighted Bethany saying: “I loved them all, especially Kieran, who asked for my wristband to give us both luck.
“Simon let me sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' to him. He’s so nice and I love him.”
