The community of Narberth has been saddened by the death of popular teenager Miss Shelley-Louise Harries.

After a courageous battle borne with dignity and perseverance, Shelley-Louise fell asleep at University of Wales Hospital, Heath, Cardiff, on Thursday, January 14.

Aged 16, she lived at Shell-Shan, Pant Teg Uchaf, Station Road, Narberth.

She was deeply loved and is missed by her devoted parents, Paul and Beverley, and sisters, Shannon and Tiegan, together with her grandparents and all her family.

Born and brought up in Narberth, Shelley-Louise was a real character who everyone loved and throughout her illness she maintained her bubbly personality and always looked on the bright side.

From her early years, she took part in many community events and activities.

She won the baby show during Narberth Civic Week and was second in the Whitland Week event.

She enjoyed performing and singing and her first appearance on stage was during a Civic Week talent show which she thoroughly enjoyed. She was later asked to sing at her cousin's wedding when she gave a rendition of 'Somewhere over the rainbow', which was much applauded by guests present.

Shelley-Louise also enjoyed sport and played football for Kilgetty Girls Under 13s and hockey for Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Carmarthen Girls.

Shelley-Louise also had plenty to shout about when she and her sister Shannon became Narberth's junior town criers, attending various events, including leading the town's colourful carnival and officiating at the opening of the town's castle in 2005.

When their mum, Beverley, hung up her bell as town crier when she was expecting their youngest sister, Tiegan, Shelley-Louise stepped into the role and made history, as at the age of 12 she was the youngest town crier in the whole of Great Britain.

We at the Observer remember Shelley-Louise when she was invited to act as 'master of ceremonies' at the 100th birthday celebrations of the Narberth and Whitland Observer in 2006, a job she did efficiently and eloquently.

Shelley-Louise loved 'hanging out' with her friends and adored her two younger sisters, who she enjoyed looking out for and being a figure they could look up to.

A former pupil at Narberth CP School, Shelley-Louise was latterly a pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, Whitland, where head of middle school, Mr. Chris Skone, described her as 'a smashing girl' and a 'real character'.

"Shelley had a heart of gold," he said. "She had lots of friends and kept everyone going. She was the life and soul of the party."

Last year, despite her illness, Shelley, who was in the Welsh stream, achieved six GCSEs, which Mr. Skone says shows how gifted a young girl she was and she had started in the sixth form before her illness took over.

"She got on with everybody, staff and pupils, and will be sadly missed," he added.

Tribute to Shelley-Louise has also been paid by County Councillor Wynne Evans, a lifelong family friend.

"All the community are shocked and devastated by Shelley's tragic passing," said Clr. Evans.

"She put up an extremely brave fight and I really thought she was going to come through it.

"I have known Shelley all her life and will always remember her for her cheeky grin and smile which she constantly had on her face."

Clr. Evans continued: "No matter what event was on in Narberth, Shelley and her family were always there, and they would not only support, but join in fully too.

"When I was organising the carnival in Narberth and was looking for a town crier, the very person I approached was Shelley's mum, Beverley, because she had an unmistakable voice and was extremely loud - I know she will not mind me saying that - and those were attributes Shelley had when she became town crier.

"Shelley emersed herself in the role and immersed herself in all that was asked of her. She represented Narberth all over Pembrokeshire and different parts of Wales.

"And anyone who met Shelley will tell you she was a great ambassador for the town."

Clr. Evans added: "Shelley comes from a very loving family and my heart goes out to all of them and many, many friends. This is a very sad loss. I had hoped she would have recovered enough to take part in the Narberth panto at the end of this year, and still hope her family will."

Shelley-Louise was the first patient at the teenage cancer ward at the University of Wales Hospital, and during her time there, she met Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who, and Kelly Jones, of The Stereophonics.

Only recently, Shelley-Louise was interviewed on BBC Wales' Hospital 24/7 programme which is filmed at the hospital and broadcast last Thursday evening as a tribute to her.

The funeral service will take place tomorrow (Saturday, January 23) at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 12.15 pm.

The family request no black ties or mourning, please.

Immediate family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if so desired, for The Teenage Cancer Trust, University Hospital of Wales, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who are carrying out the funeral arrangements.