LOVED ones cherishing the legacy of an 'incredible' teenager who lost her battle with cancer united to raise hundreds in her honour.

Families from across Wantage poured into the town's football club, coming together to remember Grove teenager Maisie Norton on Sunday.

The 17-year-old King Alfred's Academy student lost her six-year fight against cancer, passing away in her home in October 2015.

Her mother Rosie Norton said she felt 'humbled' to see so many wellwishers coming together at Wantage Town Football Club for the memorial match.

She added: "We feel very honoured and privileged that so many people wanted to come and be a little part of Maisie. It was about having fun and remembering Maisie.

"It was about bringing people together. It's so nice that one little girl could do all this. Maisie was always so wise for such a young girl.

"She took everything in her stride and never complained. People who met her would not have forgotten her."

Sunshine beamed down across the football pitch as the annual memorial match began at the Manor Road venue in the afternoon, organised by 23-year-old Wantage resident Blake Latimer.

The fitness instructor at tfd Health & Fitness called on footballers to take to the pitch during two matches.

His team 'Blake's Eleven' thrashed opponents 'Ross's Eleven', headed up by Ross Packham, beating the team 6-1.

Young girls also flaunted their footballing skills during another match.

It was the second time family and friends of all ages came together at the sports venue to honour the teenager, raising £1,600 last year for The Caring Cancer Trust.

The Isle-of Wight charity, which organises holidays for terminally-ill children and teenagers, supported Maisie on three trips while she battled her illness.

Mrs Norton said loved ones have since raised about £40,000 for the charity in Maisie's honour, adding: "Maisie absolutely loved the trips, she used to come home buzzing.

For me, if another child can benefit half as much as Maisie did it's worthwhile. It's so worthwhile to see your child come back and have a wonderful experience with another child who is going through the same thing."

Rainbow-splashed balloons donning heartfelt messages also drifted towards the sky during the fundraiser in an initiative dubbed 'postcards to heaven'.

Sarah Williams, the brainchild behind the balloon floating experience, said she was inspired to help raise cash for The Caring Cancer Trust after being touched by Maisie's story.

The Wantage resident said: "We sent all our love up to heaven. It was simple but I just thought it was lovely. Maisie was a beautiful person inside.

"The youngsters in Wantage are really loyal and supportive - they all stay together. It helps Maisie's memory live on."

Chairman of The Caring Cancer Trust Chris Ody travelled from the Isle of Wight to join others honouring the teenager's memory.

He said funds raised by Maisie's family were 'critical', adding: "[We will do] anything we can to support Maisie's family, they have provided us with considerable funds."