Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a beloved volunteer police cadet remembered as a "lovely young lady who was liked by all" following her tragic death from a "short battle" with cancer at the age of 15.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed in a statement this week that Alyssa Ashcroft sadly passed away on April 12. The teenager was a member of the Wigan Cadet Unit, which she joined in March 2025. The Deanery Church of England High School pupil lost her battle with cancer after a brief illness.
A police spokesperson confirmed Alyssa's death this week, prompting a wave of tributes for the teen, who was remembered as a "keen cadet" by her police supervisor on social media.
Official Statement
In an official statement, a police spokesperson said: "It is with a heavy heart we share the news of the death of one of GMP's Volunteer Police Cadets – Alyssa Ashcroft, who passed away after a short battle with cancer on Sunday April 12, aged 15.
"Alyssa joined the Wigan Cadet Unit in March 2025 and was a student at Deanery Church of England High School in Wigan."
Warm Tributes
Warm tributes poured in for Alyssa in the wake of her passing. GMP Cadet lead sergeant Darren Hall said: "Alyssa was a very keen cadet. A lovely young lady who was liked by all – she was everything a cadet should be, and we are proud she was part of our policing family."
Members of the public also took to social media to share their condolences. One wrote: "Her mum and dad should be so proud of their amazing daughter. Sending them condolences and may all the love and support they get help them through this difficult time."
Another added: "Oh gosh. How very, very sad. Too young to lose her life to cancer. Sending love and prayers to her family and friends. May you rest in peace Alyssa."
Illness and Diagnosis
Before her death, Alyssa was named as member of the month in September by Beads of Courage, an organisation that supports young children facing serious illness. A statement on the organisation's website states she was a "typical, very active hockey playing 14 year old" before she became sick in June.
Alyssa, according to Wigan Today, was initially diagnosed with glandular fever before doctors ordered a CT scan which uncovered lumps on her liver and chest.
She later became critically unwell and spent 12 days in critical condition before she was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Beads of Courage explained: "This life-threatening illness causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissues and organs. In Alyssa's case, it was triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus that causes glandular fever."
She was started on special medication to control the HLH and, heartbreakingly, spent her 15th birthday in intensive care. Over the following six weeks, Alyssa remained in hospital while doctors fought to stabilise her condition.
"She endured countless tests, X-rays, CT scans, blood transfusions and treatments. She was frequently poked and prodded but faced everything with incredible strength," the statement added.
Volunteer Police Cadets
Volunteer police cadets dedicate roughly four hours each week to a range of educational sessions, community events and crime prevention initiatives.
Greater Manchester Police's statement also confirmed that support is on hand for anyone impacted by Alyssa's death.
