A British toddler who died from a tummy bug on holiday in Turkey had a E.Coli strain unique to the country.
An inquest has heard Allie Birchall, 2, was struck down with a bacterial infection and developed complications after staying at the five Crystal Sunset Luxury Resort and Spa in Antalya.
After flying back to the UK, Allie was rushed to hospital where her conditions deteriorated and her family had to make the heartbreaking decision to switch off her life support.
Following an inquest into her death, it was ruled that Allie, of Atherton in Wigan, Lancs., had a unique strain of E.Coli which originated from Turkey.
However, Manchester Coroners' Court heard it was not possible to say how she contracted the bacteria and the coroner concluded her death was from natural causes.
Heartbroken mum Katie, 36, said she was 'grateful' to have some answers and hoped that no other family would suffer like hers.
Speaking after the inquest she said: "Losing our little Allie so tragically and suddenly was heartbreaking for us all, and it's still incredibly difficult to think we'll never see her again.
"When she was admitted to hospital, we were all praying she would pull through. To be told she had suffered brain damage was absolutely devastating.
"The whole experience has been nothing short of traumatic and we have lost a huge part of our lives.
"Allie had her whole life ahead of her before it was snatched away in the cruellest way possible. Her death is something we'll never get over.
"Sadly nothing can turn back the clock and bring our princess back to us, but we're grateful that the inquest is over and we at least have some answers.
"All we can hope for now is that others don't have to suffer like our family has."
Allie was diagnosed with Shiga-Toxin producing E.Coli (STEC) and then developed Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal blood condition linked to STEC which can lead to kidney failure and brain damage.
She tragically died on August 3 and a post mortem found her cause of death was brain damage and other complications associated with HUS and STEC.
Jatinder Paul, the Senior Associate Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell representing Allie's family, said: "Allie's death continues to have a profound effect on her family.
"Including her mum Katie who in particular is understandably still struggling to come to terms with what they've all been through.
"While we can't change what happened, Allie's family at least now have some answers as to why she was taken from them so soon.
"The dangers of gastric illnesses and infections should never be downplayed. E.coli is extremely serious and can result in long-term health problems and in the worst cases, such as this, death.
"We'll continue to support them as they attempt to come to terms with their loss."
All of Allie's family fell ill during their holiday in Turkey with Allie's symptoms starting on the 27 July, three days after the family returned home, the inquest heard.
Allie's family made the difficult decision to terminate her life support two days later, after an MRI scan revealed she had suffered brain damage, the inquest heard.
