Never miss Bristol news again - sign up to receive our newsletter straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A little girl who was waiting for a heart transplant after coming down with a rare form of flu has died in her mother's arms.

Three-year-old Ivie Boulton was first taken ill on January 24, after being sick a number of times overnight.

Her parents, Scarlett and Gavin, took the little toddler from Yate to her GP, but was later rushed to Bristol Children's Hospital.

Tests revealed the seriousness of her condition, and fluid had built up around Ivie's heart.

As doctors tried to drain the fluid, little Ivie went into cardiac arrest.

She had to undergo surgery and her chest left open for about 10 days while doctors waited to transfer her to a suitable transplant unit.

A space became free in Newcastle, where she was receiving treatment.

The flu was so rare, it is reportedly seen in just one every 10,000 cases.

Ivie – who had been kept on life support – lost her fight for life two nights ago, her mum has now said.

In an update on social media, Scarlett wrote: "Hi all, I have waited to put a status on until we had some good news about Ivie but unfortunately this isn't the case.

"Ivie's lungs started to bleed and they were unrepairable.

"She died peacefully in our arms last night. We can't thank people enough for the support, not just in Yate but around the world!

"We are obviously devastated."

Her dad, Gavin, added: "Five weeks ago our little girl Ivie was rushed into hospital and our lives were turned upside down.

"She fought so hard but unfortunately she passed away peacefully last night in my and her mum's arms."

A fundraising campaign which started weeks ago for the family has gathered huge support, with well-wishers raising more than £8,600.

Dozens of people have sent their condolences.

Renae Hawkins wrote: "I think like everyone we were wishing for the outcome to be so, so different.

"A beautiful little girl taken too soon. My deepest thoughts are with the family."

To donate, click here.

Our thoughts are with the family.