A “brave and beautiful” Moray kickboxing star has lost her battle with cancer aged just 18.
Dion Yates, from Lossiemouth, died yesterday after fighting the rare bone disease, Ewing’s sarcoma, for much of the past three years.
In May, the her plight touched hearts across the UK when she was left heartbroken after being sold fake tickets to an Ed Sheeran concert.
Miss Yates had travelled 600 miles from her home in Lossiemouth to fulfill an ambition on her bucket list by seeing the singer at London’s O2 Arena.
However, the determined teenager still made the most of her trip by attending the Matilda musical, based on Roald Dahl’s story.
And she was cheered up when she met another of her favourite pop stars, Ashton Merrygold from JLS.
Her mum, Kerry Yates, yesterday broke the sad news that her daughter had died on a Facebook page set up in her honour.
She said: “Devastated to announce that Dion lost her battle at 12.35pm.
“She was such a brave, beautiful, bossy little soul right up until the end.
“Everyone is heartbroken, but your thoughts are appreciated.”
Miss Yates was first diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma when she was 15.
She underwent a year of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and was given the all-clear in 2014.
But last August, doctors broke the news that the cancer had returned.
In December, the Empower Martial Arts Club in Lossiemouth presented Miss Yates with an honorary black belt for her courage.
Her kickboxing coach, Lisa Clarkson, last night revealed the club will now stage an annual competition in memory of the 18-year-old, with funds being raised towards a charity of her family’s choosing.
The first event will take place in January and several other clubs have already committed to take part.
Ms Clarkson added: “That will be a lasting legacy for Dion.
“We are all devastated about what has happened, she was an inspirational person.
“I last saw her on Sunday and, as heartbreaking as that was, she was still able to laugh even though she was in so much pain.”
In May, 50 people donned trainers and trekked 19 miles from Findhorn to Lossiemouth in a show of support for the 18-year-old.
They wore T-shirts emblazoned with the message “Do it 4 Dion”.
