A triplet who captured the hearts of her schoolmates and her community has died of cancer.
Sally Ainley, 20, died on Saturday from the bone cancer which was diagnosed nearly three years ago. She and sisters Emma and Alison were identical triplets.
The former Mt Albert Grammar School student was diagnosed after she noticed pain and swelling in her shoulder while playing lacrosse, the New Zealand Herald reported today. When it was diagnosed, it had spread to her lungs.
Mt Albert Grammar students raised $9000 for her by dyeing their hair and wearing brightly coloured tights in a fluoro day which was the most successful single-day fundraiser the school had held.
Associate principal Paul McKinley said Ms Ainley was a keen athlete and tried to live her life as normally as possible.
She wanted to be an occupational therapist and completed one year of study at AUT, where she achieved high grades. She travelled to Beijing for the Olympics and, despite losing movement in her arm, got her driver's licence.
Mr McKinley said Ms Ainley was heavily involved with CanTeen and organised the youth cancer group's first fun-run.
