Incredibly sadly, Emily died on 4th October 2021, aged just 5. It's her family's wish for her mission to stand as a tribute and legacy for a very special little girl.
Emily was born on the 27th July 2016 by emergency caesarean after a scan at 37 weeks showed she was going into multi-organ failure. She remained poorly into toddlerhood with frequent infections. It was suspected that Emily had a form of cancer affecting her immune system
…a form of mitochondrial disease. Emily was the only case in Scotland at the time, with less than 100 worldwide. Digestion and liver problems, fatigue and muscle weakness were just some of the symptoms alongside the immunity issues.
Despite her ill-health, Emily grew from an adorable baby to a cute, feisty little girl who loved all things pink and sparkly. Adored by our older children, Natasha, Daniel and Nicole, Emily had us all wrapped around her little finger, including me and dad, Kevin.
Nicknamed, ‘Princess Emily’, she loved Disney princesses, starring in TikTok videos and buying B&M pyjamas. She was a little ‘foodie’, with sweeties and roast dinners her firm favourites, especially Yorkshire pudding!
The 2020 pandemic meant Emily’s vulnerability was a massive worry. The mildest of infections posed significant risks to her life. Isolating at home kept her infection-free for 18 months. In May ’21 she caught a common cold and a severe temperature spike which meant she had to be admitted to hospital. While there, she developed further complications which increased fears for Emily, who was already fighting so hard.
Specialist care in London was considered, but Emily was deemed too poorly. She came home in September before going back into hospital where she passed away peacefully in my arms on 4th October, aged 5.
…who will be in our hearts always. Just as she’ll live on within our family, we’d like Emily and her story to live on and inspire others.
Whether you support Emily’s mission, any other single mission or My Mito Mission as a whole – it’s all the same great cause.
Spreading the word, following, sharing, as well as donating and raising funds are all really helpful and valued. From running a race to hosting a bake sale, giving out Emily’s Mito Mission leaflets to finding a home for a collecting can – there are so many ways in which you can get involved.
If you’d simply like to donate to Emily’s mission, choose a way that suits you below.
Regular donations are the most powerful way to support our vital work, allowing us as a small, high-energy charity to plan and build from a strong foundation.
We need a 1000 strong team of amazing people to donate any amount from just £2 a month. 1000 is a lot, but – one by one – we know that we can reach it. Find out more here.
For any other amount or frequency (eg weekly, quarterly, annual), simply contact us
We’d love your support with our fundraising… and we can provide supporting materials. Just ask!
Fundraise and shop!
Other ways you can support us
Visit our Support Us page for more inspiration!
