Tributes have begun flooding in after the death of an honorary garda and “most beautiful little girl” who passed away earlier this week.
Maia Browne died peacefully at the LauraLynn children’s hospice in Dublin on Monday, December 12.
The Little Blue Heroes organisation, which is dedicated to supporting families of children with serious illnesses, confirmed the news in a tribute post on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon.
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In the short note, a spokesperson wrote: "Our hearts are saddened to hear that one of our Little Blue Heroes Honorary Garda Maia Browne passed away yesterday.
"Honorary Garda Maia passed away peacefully in Laura Lynn surrounded by her loving family.
"Maia was the most beautiful little girl full of love and joy with the perfect dash of mischief.
"Maia's love reached an extraordinary number of people and she will be greatly missed by so many people."
Alongside this was a sweet poem which read: "Little Blue Hero laid to rest, she wore the uniform and gave her best.
"Little Blue Hero fought so brave every day, honour and courage every step of the way.
"Little Blue Hero smiled when you greet, now to take up duty on a heavenly beat.
"Little Blue Hero we will never forget and always remember the times we had met.
"Little Blue Hero under your care watch down upon us and your guiding light we will share."
Hundreds of people have since sent their condolences to Maia’s heartbroken family beneath this post with one person writing: "Condolences to her family at this sad time R.I.P Maia fly high with the angels."
Another wrote: "Absolutely heartbroken to have heard the news about Maia passing. Remember meeting Maia and Sinead in respiratory myself and Aoife. And all our messages over in the early days of our tube-feeding journeys.
“Always remembered by your Galway buddy Aoife. Sincere sympathy to her parents and her brother.”
Someone else added: "Rest softly little one. My sincere condolences to all who know and loved you x”
Another said: “Beautiful Maia just heartbroken for you and your parents and Leon sending you all hugs and love Rest in peace Beautiful.”
The Little Blue Heroes organisation is focused on empowering the lives of children suffering from serious illnesses.
With many young children being fascinated by police uniforms and the equipment, they organise for children to become an 'Honorary Garda' to live out their dreams.
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