Devastated mum of young girl who died says she was 'a fighter'

The mother of a young child who tragically died said her young daughter was "a fighter" and she praised the "amazing" staff at the school she loved. Earlier today, the Liverpool Echo reported that two young children from Millstead special needs primary school in Everton had tragically died in the past few weeks.

The two girls were aged five and six. News of the tragedy has struck the city, with Michelle Beard, the head teacher of Millstead saying the entire school community was "devastated", reports the Liverpool Echo. Today, the mum of one of the young girls who tragically died spoke to the Echo under the condition of anonymity and confirmed that her six-year-old child had passed away two weeks ago.

The Norris Green-based mum commended the staff at Millstead and particularly those working in Willow Class who looked after her daughter, born with a life-limiting health condition. She said: "It is a great school, the teachers work so hard and they are so underfunded. They do more than any other school.

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"The school was a lifeline for us, they gave us a break. My daughter got so much out of it. She learnt a lot. I have spoken to some of the teachers and I know they are really struggling at the moment.

"We were so glad that we found a school that we could trust, it is very hard when you have a child with a life-limiting condition." The mother shared that her daughter "loved going to school," adding: "She was always happy when she was there. The teachers in Willow class are amazing. They are a part of our family now."

Speaking about her child, the mum said: "She meant the world to us. She was always happy, especially when she was going to school. It was a big part of her life. We are going to be lost without her.

"She was always a fighter and she was loved by everyone, especially her teachers." The heartbroken mum said that despite her daughter being born with a serious condition requiring constant care, she hadn't anticipated her passing so soon.

She admitted she was unaware that another child from Millstead Primary had passed away until she read the news this morning. Millstead Primary School has been grappling with a giardia infection outbreak in recent weeks, managed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as a public health issue.

Giardiasis is a digestive system infection caused by tiny parasites known as giardia lamblia. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, flatulence and bloating, but it's generally not a serious health risk and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

At this point, the UKHSA stated that the causes of the two children's deaths have not been confirmed but are "unlikely to be due to giardia". A spokesperson for the UKHSA said: "UK Health Security Agency are aware of the sad deaths of two children who attend Millstead Primary School and our thoughts are with the family, friends and school community.

"The deaths are unlikely to be due to giardia. Giardia usually causes a self-limiting gastrointestinal illness which can spread easily in households and school settings."

The mother of the six-year-old girl said she did not know of any link between her daughter's death and the ongoing virus outbreak, stating she would refrain from speculation until the post-mortem and inquest results were available. Millstead headteacher Michelle Beard spoke on the heartrending loss, saying: "The entire Millstead School community is devastated to have learned of the sad recent passing of two of our younger children.

"We have sent our sincerest condolences to both of their families. Both children filled their classes with joy during their time with us, and they will forever be in our hearts. We are working closely with our families, staff and pupils to support them as we come to terms with this terribly sad news."