The family of a toddler who died two weeks before her second birthday say it feels like 'the world is falling apart'.
"Beautiful" Ruby Grace Edwards suddenly became unwell and tested positive for Covid, her dad Steven said.
The heartbroken father said this triggered a rare auto-immune condition where her immune system, while trying to fight the virus, also attacked her brain and affected her vital organs.
He said his little girl fought long and hard but the condition was too aggressive.
Ruby from Queensland, Australia, tragically died on July 24, surrounded by family.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by a family friend to help Steven and his wife Krystal as they go through this difficult time.
A Facebook post from Ruby's dad shared on the GoFundMe page says: "It feels like the world is falling apart for us right now, as we prepare for the arrival of our son this Friday, 29/07/2022.
"This is supposed to be such a happy time where our family would become complete but is now so broken.
"We, all of us, need to love and support each other through this unimaginably tough time. We are all hurting, we are all in pain, please be kind and be there for each other and cherish Ruby’s memory and the joy she brought to all of our lives.
"If you have children of your own, please hug them a little bit tighter tonight. I am not sure how but we need to navigate this grief as best we can. It will come to us in different ways, at different times and at different intensities.
"Sometimes we will need to be with loved ones, sometimes we will need space. Please be patient, we are all trying our best."
