Duran Duran pay tribute to Southend woman Felicia Cantone

Felicia Cantone inspired thousands of people after battling Ewing Sarcoma - a rare form of cancer that develops in the bones - since the age of six.

The 23-year-old lost her battle with the rare condition after enduring endless rounds of chemotherapy and having to have her leg amputated aged ten.

Now, world-famous band Duran Duran have taken to their official Facebook page after hearing about young Felicia’s story.

Read more >> Tributes to Southend woman with 'incredible spirit' after she loses 17-year cancer battle

Felicia was the niece of Roger Taylor, best known as the group’s drummer, after he married into the family when he wed Giovanna Cantone, whom he has three children with and later divorced.

Taking to Facebook, Mr Taylor wrote: “A lifetime can seem like a flash of lightening in a dark sky, and yours certainly was Felicia.

“Wherever you are ...I’m sure your light will continue to shine brightly.

“Felicia Cantone, the bravest soul I ever encountered. Roger x”

Touched by the 23-year-old’s story, followers of Duran Duran’s Facebook page, of which there are more than three million, paid their own tributes.

Fabiana Salvatore said: “No words can express my sadness in reading such awful news.

“May she rest in peace.”

Mr Taylor has long-supported Felicia’s cause, using his status to raise awareness of her rare condition.

In a blog post from November 2007 on Duran Duran’s website entitled “A ray of light for Felicia Cantone”, the author said the young girl was “not giving up”.

They wrote: “Felicia (which means happy in Italian) is undergoing chemotherapy for the second time. We have been told there is no third time.

“Felicia is a lively, outgoing little 9yr [sic] old girl who is not giving up on her fight! Nor are her family.”

Giovanna, Mr Taylor’s ex-wife, has now launched a fundraiser has now launched in memory of Felicia, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

To donate, visit bit.ly/3ziZqmg.