The heartbroken family of a 'beautiful' baby girl who died after an 'incident' at her nursery have said they 'cannot accept' that their daughter's life was tragically cut short. Little Genevieve was only nine months old when she passed away in hospital after a 'medical episode' at the Tiny Toes Children's Day Nursery in Stockport on May 9.
Her death is continuing to be investigated by Greater Manchester Police with two women, aged 35 and 34 having been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and another woman, 24, being arrested on suspicion of child neglect. All three women currently remain on bail, Manchester Evening News reports.
Today, Genevieve's family have issued a statement through GMP as they pay tribute to their 'wonderful, unique and special' baby girl. They said she had a 'beautiful smile and enchanting emerald eyes'.
Genevieve's family said they 'cannot accept the cruelty and unfairness' of her death. The tribute said: "On the afternoon of the 9th of May 2022 our world turned very dark.
"We are devastated beyond words at the loss of our beloved Genevieve. She was so wanted and so treasured. Her absence is the wound that will never heal.
"Genevieve was not just a baby. She was a wonderful, unique and special person.
"She was an individual with her likes and dislikes, her passions and her joys. She loved to be cuddled, to dance and to play with her toys, particularly her tambourine.
"Most of all she loved to spend time with her family, and we loved and cherished every moment that we spent with her. She had the most beautiful smile and enchanting emerald eyes.
"To know that we will not get to hear her mischievous laugh again, or hold her hand, is almost too much to bear. We grieve for everything we have lost, but most of all we grieve for her, for a life filled with promise and opportunity that was cut so short.
"We cannot accept the cruelty and unfairness of this. She gave us so much in the short time that she was with us.
"We are different and better people for having had her in our lives. She is and will always remain a vital and integral member of our family.
"She will never be forgotten. We are grateful to Greater Manchester Police and other services for the support they have provided to us.
Genevieve's full name has not been revealed and it's understood that a pre-inquest review regarding her death will take place on November 30 at South Manchester Coroners' Court.
The nursery on Mellor Road in Cheadle Hulme has confirmed that it will be permanently closing down. Ofsted suspended Tiny Toes Children's Day Nursery back in May 'to allow time for other agencies to complete their enquiries'.
After the suspension, Ofsted reported that it carried out three inspection visits on September 2, 5, and 28 at the nursery and confirmed that staff were 'not meeting some of the requirements' Ofsted had ordered the nursery to follow after those visits.
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