Gift of life to other children from 'Sweetest wee girl'

A MOTHER left heartbroken by the sudden death of her eight-year-old daughter says she hopes her donated organs can help save the lives of other children.

Beth MacKenzie, pictured, became ill earlier this month and was taken to a GP, who diagnosed a throat and ear infection, as well as gastroenteritis.

When her condition worsened, her mother, Emma Nicol, who lives in Inverness, took her to Raigmore Hospital. Beth suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after arriving, but was resuscitated and transferred to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. She died in hospital on 9 March after being diagnosed with influenza B.

Ms Nicol, 35, said: "I'm completely devastated and I feel heartbroken. I don't think it's sunk in."

Ms Nicol gave permission to doctors to use Beth's organs for transplant. Her kidneys went to two children and her liver and small bowel were also donated.

"I hope she saved some other kid's life, I know she would've wanted that.

"Beth was the sweetest wee girl. Everyone that ever spoke to me about her said she was a total joy to have round at their houses.

"She was beautiful inside and outside."

JOHN ROSS