The mum of a Bulwell girl who died from a cardiac arrest after having flu-like symptoms has spoken about the 'heart-wrenching' tragedy.
Lucia Donkin died aged just 11 on March 5 in 2016 after influenza had caused an acute heart failure.
She had fallen ill with flu-like symptoms - and when her health began to worsen, she was taken to Queen's Medical Centre.
Scans showed Lucia’s heart function was rapidly deteriorating and whilst awaiting further treatment she had a sudden cardiac arrest in her hospital bed.
She died the day before Mother's Day.
"It was so out of the blue, it was not something we had prior warning about," recalled her mum, Clare Collier, who said her death was "still raw".
"The symptoms she had were flu-like, a really bad cold, shaking and shivering. A friend that was staying had it at the same time. It's not something you can spot the signs for as it's still the flu, it's similar to Covid."
The 41-year-old said she felt she "couldn't explain" what the family went through.
"It was heart-wrenching, one of the hardest things I've ever been through," she told Nottinghamshire Live.
"If I didn't have my husband and my kids I don't think I'd be here today. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."
Describing her daughter, Clare said: “Lucia was so bubbly and positive – she would do anything for anyone. She loved singing, dancing and acting and had dreams of becoming an entertainer.
"She was taken from us far too soon and we all miss her so much.”
Lucia had suffered problems with her health at 8 years old, being admitted to hospital with flu before a scan revealed it had caused a rare build-up of fluid around her heart and lungs.
Despite it being "touch or go" as to whether she'd survive, she recovered and scans found no further problems with her heart.
Lucia would have been celebrating her 18th birthday this year, so her family, who have raised thousands of pounds since her death, say they want to "go bigger".
A family fun day will take place at Oakleigh Lodge in Bulwell on Sunday, March 13, and will include music, a tombola, raffle and balloon release. The event will be held from 12noon to 4pm, with everyone welcome to attend.
Mum, Clare, will then undergo a head shave on the following Monday, which would have been the date of her daughter's birthday.
Money raised will go towards the British Heart Foundation's research into heart and circulatory conditions, with the hair donated to the Little Princess Trust.
Paula Scaife, fundraising manager for Nottinghamshire at the charity, said: “We are so grateful that Clare has generously decided to raise funds for the BHF, by holding these events in memory of Lucia.
“It is only with donations from people like Clare that we can keep our research going and discover the treatments and cures of the future. We now urgently need more support and would encourage people in Nottinghamshire to get in touch with us to find out how they can help.”
To donate towards Clare’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/clare-spalding1
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