Tragic death of baby April

April Rose Thompson-Wilkinson was born on April 21st, weighing 7lb. 3oz, but her parents Ann-Marie (22), from Burnley, and Alan (20), from Colne, were told the devastating news their beautiful little girl had a problem with the left side of her heart just two days later.

April Rose died at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, with her mum and dad at her side.

Ann-Marie, a former Burnley College student, of Manchester Road, Burnley, said: “One of her valves was leaking blood really bad. She was born two days early, and everything had been OK up until that point,

“They came and did some tests on the Thursday, a couple of days after she was born, and that is when they found out. It hasn’t sunk in properly yet - we are in shock. She was like every other baby, and I was happy.”

Ann-Marie and Alan had all their plans in place to bring their baby home, and had bought a moses basket, pram, bouncer, milk and a few clothes in preparation.

They decided on the name April as a tribute to Ann-Marie’s grandma Avril, who died earlier this year.

Ann-Marie said: “I got really close to my grandma, and April is her name but in English.”

She went on to thank everybody who has been there supporting the family through such a difficult time.

April’s funeral will take place tomorrow at Burnley Crematorium at 10-40am. After the service, those in attendance will go to Rosegrove Unity Social Club.

Family flowers only, but donations can be made to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in April’s memory.