Family's grief as 'little fighter' dies aged seven weeks

THE parents of little Lexi Higgins-Fleming, who was due to be laid to rest today, have spoken of their heartache at losing their "little fighter" who succumbed to a tissue-wasting disease last week.

Born six weeks prematurely in July, weighing just 5lb 1oz, Lexi appeared healthy until doctors diagnosed her with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a disease which kills the tissue in the bowel.

Lexi fought on for seven weeks and had to undergo surgery, but when doctors tried to operate her bowel just fell apart in their hands.

Today, Stuart, 28, and Lucy Higgins, 27, from Musselburgh told how grateful they were for the short time they had with Lexi, and the moments of happiness they were able to share.

Lexi's grandmother Lorraine Fleming, 55, paid tribute to the medical staff at the Simpson's centre in Edinburgh who tried so hard to save her life.

She said: "Everything the doctors asked from her she did but eventually her whole body went into septic shock.

"The doctors and nurses at Simpson's were amazing. They did everything they could for Lexi, and told us what was going on every step of the way.

"You just couldn't fault the nurses. They did everything. They prepared Lucy and Stuart for Lexi's death, and prepared Lexi for what was to come as well. All the hospital staff were absolutely fantastic.

"It was only supposed to be two visitors at a time in the ward, and immediate family only, but when we were told Lexi wasn't going to make it they let all of the aunties and uncles in so she could be with her family."

She added: "When Lexi died Stuart said he was sad because she had never even felt the sun on her face, or heard the sound of music, so the nurses put her in the chapel of rest in the hospital and played her lullabies.

"If love could have kept her alive she would be running around today."

Lucy, a pet shop sales assistant, said news of Lexi's condition had been a shock.

"The pregnancy itself was fine. I was monitored regularly because I have lupus (an auto-immune disease], and I had problems when I was expecting my first child Ellie eight years ago.

"Lexi seemed to be healthy for the first week. She was a great baby who liked to sleep a lot but on the eighth day she became unwell."

It was then that doctors diagnosed NEC.

Stuart, who works at Gorgie Distillery, added: "When she died we just held her. We hadn't been allowed to hold her for about two and half weeks because she was so fragile but it didn't matter anymore.

"The hospital could have kept her alive for a bit longer with machines, but it was best to just let her go."

Lexi was due to be laid to rest at Inveresk Cemetery after a private ceremony in Musselburgh today.

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