September 28, 2009 15:50

Beatles' 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' inspiration dies

Julian and Cynthia Lennon are 'shocked and saddened' by the news

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The schoolgirl who inspired John Lennon to write The Beatles' 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' has died aged of 46 of the immune system disease Lupus, it has been confirmed.

Lucy Vodden, of Surbiton, London passed away on Tuesday (September 22), reports BBC News.

Her death was announced by The St Thomas Lupus Trust, who had been caring for her.

Vodden was school friends with Lennon's first son Julian, who in 1966 returned home from nursery with a picture of her with diamond-shaped eyes. Lennon took inspiration from the picture and wrote the track, which went on to appear on The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album. However, upon the song's release in 1967, many presumed it was about LSD due to the obtuse lyrics and the initials of the title. The track was banned by the BBC for its alleged drug references.

After learning that Vodden was suffering from Lupus, Julian Lennon contacted her to wish her well. He later sent her garden centre vouchers after learning that she found solace from spending time in her garden.

The St Thomas Lupus Trust campaign director Angie Davidson paid tribute to Vodden.

"Everyone at the Louise Coote Lupus Unit was dreadfully shocked by the death of Lucy," Davidson said. "She was a great supporter of ours and a real fighter. It's so sad that she has finally lost the battle she fought so bravely for so long."

Julian and Cynthia Lennon were said to be "shocked and saddened" by her death, according to the Lupus Trust.