A little girl who died just hours before her first day of school is being remembered as a “feisty, strong-willed and gorgeous” daughter.
Rose O’Leary-Hall was four years old when she died earlier this month, after battling a heart condition she’d had since birth.
According to a GoFundMe organised by a family friend, the family from Leeds, in the UK, were told Rose had an interrupted aortic arch that was found in her 20-week scan.
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The condition occurs when the aorta doesn’t form completely, disrupting blood flow to vital organs.
Rose had undergone surgery to attempt to repair the aorta when she was born, but it was unsuccessful because she was too small.
She underwent another open-heart surgery at 10 months old, which was also unsuccessful.
Rose’s mother Katie and her wife Sue told Yorkshire Live that Rose had undergone a third surgery on August 15 but died after contracting an infection.
“I have no words to describe the depth of the pain we feel on the day she should have started school. Rose was so full of love and life,” they said.
“Our lives will forever be shaped by knowing and loving her and they will certainly never be the same without her.
“Her feisty, strong-willed and gorgeous nature will last forever in our hearts.
“Sleep well, beautiful girl.”
The fundraiser initially aimed to raise £4000 ($A7700) for her funeral.
That target has been exceeded, with more than £10,000 ($A19,000) raised.
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