She may have only lived for 21 days, but little Ayda Faith Murphy touched thousands of hearts.
Parents Carly Walker and Ryan Murphy have paid a heartbroken tribute to their beloved daughter, who died in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary in the early hours of April 20.
Born prematurely on March 31, weighing just 4lbs, the tiny fighter underwent three operations as she battled to overcome the effects of three complex and extremely rare birth defects.
She was urged on by thousands of people from her parents' home town of Bedlington, Northumberland, and beyond, who all wished desperately for a miracle for the family.
But, tragically, it became clear there was nothing more that medics could do, and after spending every minute at their daughter's side, as well as introducing her to her big sister Olivia, eight, Carly and Ryan had to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye.
Mum Carly, 33, said: "We've just been to see her in the chapel of rest, and she just looks like she's sleeping comfortably.
"We were with her all the way, she died in Ryan's arms and I was sitting beside her. She had had enough: after the third operation she deteriorated over five days and you could tell it was enough.
"We gave her everything and there was nothing more they could do. She fought really hard and gave it her best shot - even with all the sedation she'd still try to open her eye or suck on the cotton bud.
"It was too much in the end, but I am pleased we went through with it and tried everything for her. We were by her side 24-7 by the end.
"We gave her the best chance we could, and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do to say goodbye. No parent should have to go through planning their daughter's funeral."
She added: "We will never forget Ayda, we love her so much and she is an inspiration."
While the couple were in hospital alongside their little girl, hundreds of people from Bedlington and beyond rallied behind the family, donating cash to a Go Fund Me page set up to help with the couple's expenses, as well as sending heartfelt messages of support.
"It was a massive support - people were calling her "Bedlington's warrior" - there were so many people saying they'd never met her but she'd touched their hearts," the mum added.
Carly and Ryan also thanked the RVI staff, especially the nurses, who did everything they could for their little girl.
Carly said: "It was such a complex condition and they were run off their feet - she needed constant attention and they gave it to her, you couldn't fault them."
