Friday, 29 January 2010

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Rihanna heartbroken as friend dies of leukaemia

Singer's pal Jasmina Anema passes away

Rihanna visited Jasmina Anema in hospital last year

Rihanna is mourning the death of the six-year-old girl she helped find a bone marrow donor.

Jasmina Anema passed away on Wednesday after losing her battle with leukaemia.

Rihanna, 21, made an emotional video appeal in 2008 after being moved by Jasmina's story.  

Jasmina had a transplant last year but died on Wednesday after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

'I am incredibly heartbroken that Jasmina has passed away,' Rihanna tells Us Weekly.

'She was such a brave and special child. She showed me more strength and spirit than many adults I have met.

'I feel blessed that I was able to have her in my life, and know that through her example she has saved many lives. She was truly an angel on earth.'

Kelly Rowland, who also grew close to Jasmina, paid tribute to the youngster.

'She was a brave and lovely little girl that captured my heart the moment I met her,' she says.

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