aA MUCH-loved Teignmouth party girl has died, aged 26. Connie Pierpoint, of Yannon Drive, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at six weeks old. But the headstrong youngster was determined to live life to the full, which her parents, Shaun and Maureen, say she did with aplomb. St James' Church is expected to be packed out for the noon service today. Family and friends have been asked to wear pink in tribute to the ultimate Barbie girl. Songs performed by Connie will play at the service. As a youngster growing up in Uttoxeter, Connie excelled at swimming. She swam in the county league, was club champion twice over and was awarded the ASA ultimate swimmer award, aged 11. Music was her other love. She was a keen saxophone player and took up singing as a teenager. Connie was named a child of achievement aged nine and the same year swam with dolphins in Orlando with the Dreams Come True scheme for terminally ill children. 'It was a something she always wanted to do,' said Mrs Pierpoint. She played in a rock band and later enjoyed performing cabaret and karaoke in Torquay. Connie had a wide circle of friends in the town, Torquay and Exeter. Mum Maureen said she lit up a room. 'When she walked into a room, people were mesmerised by her. 'She was very beautiful, but there was something else, an aura, that was magnetic. She was so vivacious,' she said. Dad Shaun remembers a girl determined to do things her way. 'There was no fear. 'Connie was a great kid, she thought that life was for living and she crammed 50 years into 26,' he said. Connie's terminal illness meant 18 operations and daily medication to stay well. 'There were times when Connie was in pain, but she would never say. She always had a smile,' said Mrs Pierpoint. 'Yes, she had a terminal illness, but she never wanted to be in anyone's shadow and she never was,' he said. 'She was a star,' said Mr Pierpoint.
