A terminally ill little girl who touched the hearts thousands around the world has sadly lost her battle for life – aged just four.
Ezmae Catley suffered from multiple complex medical conditions including brain damage, dystonia, cerebral palsy and an undiagnosed genetic disorder.
The toddler was receiving end-of-life palliative care, 50 drugs a day and was unable to communicate, spending her days connected to oxygen and feeding tubes.
The youngster made headline again over Christmas as a card appeal from mum Claire Morrish sparked a global response – and saw her swamped with thousands of cards.
In November, her parents Claire and David Catley appealed for strangers to send her Christmas cards.
It was met with responses from well-wishers, including 200 cards from the more than 2,700 people from places as far away as America who have followed her story from the beginning.
Ezmae, often referred to as ‘princess’ by friends and family, was rushed by ambulance to the high dependency unit at hospital on New Year’s Eve and spent the next four days there.
Claire, 36, had been posting daily updates on her page, letting the community know how her daughter was responding to treatment.
At around 4pm Tuesday night, a message was posted on the Ezmae Fundraising page on Facebook, reading: “at 10.04am this morning our baby girl grew her angel wings”.
In a post on January 1, Claire, from Minster, Kent, wrote: “Ezmae’s been very up and down.
“We’ve managed to turn her pressures down she then drops her oxygen so they have to go back up.
“She is still spiking temperatures and has two different infections.
“She has good moments where her eyes are open but will then drop back down – please keep her in your thoughts.”
To visit the hospital, her family must bring her oxygen, feeding tube, suction machine, wheelchair, medication and catheter among other items.
Tributes have been paid to the youngster on social media, with Emily Jane Morley starting a GoFundMe page to raise cash for a “Fairytale Funeral” for the youngster.
Claire Sherlock wrote: “Sending our love, thoughts and strength to you all. Ezmae has left a massive footprint in this world and could not of wished for a more loving family.
“Heaven has gained the most beautiful little Angel she will always be with you, sleep tight princess pickle.”
It has so far raised in excess of £2,200, just short of the £3,000 target.
To visit the page go to https://www.gofundme.com/fairytale-funeral-for-ezmae
