Tragedy as 'beautiful' girl dies from rare disorder three years after brother
A "devastated" mum has paid a heartfelt tribute to her "beautiful" daughter who passed away three years after the death of her son.
Isabelle Cooper died on Thursday morning (September 19), less than a year after being diagnosed with the same rare genetic condition that took her brother Alexanders life. Tragically, Alexander was only three when he suddenly died following a brief bout of illness on Boxing Day 2021.
Posting online, mother of the two children and lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire based in Preston, Dr Emily Cooper, said: "We are devastated to say that our beautiful Isabelle died in the early hours of this morning.
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"We are absolutely broken. However, we want you all not to think of her death, but to honour her by living life as she did: fearlessly, joyously and spontaneously."
For two years following Alexander's inconclusive passing, the circumstances remained a mystery as there had been few indicators of any serious health issues. The day before he passed, the young lad had enjoyed Christmas with his family in Lancaster, appearing to be in good spirits.
He spent the day merrily opening gifts and was seen dancing happily with his younger brother Freddie, who was two at the time, while watching the Masked Singer. On the subsequent day, in a heart-wrenching turn of events, Emily returned from a walk with Freddie to discover emergency services gathered outside their home, reports Lancs Live.
Sadly, Alexander was taken to hospital but later passed away the same evening. In the wake of this tragedy, his parents have worked tirelessly to increase awareness of sudden unexplained deaths in children and have supported the work of the charity Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood UK.
The family was left bewildered by the sudden death of Alexander with no clear cause for almost two years, but doctors finally identified a rare genetic disorder, PPA2 mutation, later last year. Both his mother and father, Darren Bowes, discovered they were carriers, putting their three other children at risk.
While Emily was still pregnant at the time, subsequent tests brought a mix of relief and concern: Freddie and their unborn daughter were free of the condition, but Isabelle tested positive. Last December, writing on an online platform, Emily shared: "Everything is still so uncertain and new at the moment, we just watch and wait."
She expressed optimism regarding Isabelle's health: "She is thankfully symptomless so far, and we've been told that children in families who have inherited this are affected very differently. We have to hope that she'll be one of those who largely live a normal life."
A defibrillator donation added a layer of security for Isabelle in case of sudden heart complications, and the family explained how being "armed with this knowledge" empowered them to take protective measures including abstaining from alcohol and steering clear of vinegar and stomach bugs.
In a poignant call to action, Emily said: "Mostly, we just need to give her as happy and normal a life as we can, and take each day as it comes, and we'll do just that. Be grateful for every day you and your children are healthy and happy."
Concluding her heartfelt message, she urged: "We know all too well how important that is. Please learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator. You might save a life like Alexander's."
On social media, Emily expressed that despite being overwhelmed by anxiety herself, Isabelle remained: "still the same cheeky, brave, healthy and happy girl". She also shared: "Nothing has changed for her, so we have to try and keep life as calm and normal as possible for her too."
After suffering from illness in the recent days leading to a hospital visit due to a severe bout of vomiting, Isabelle managed to return home on Monday. In a tragic development, she sadly passed away in the early hours of Thursday.