Girl, 14, found dead in bed days after family celebrate Christmas

01 January 2024 , 14:33

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Maisie-Jade Thornton, 14, with her father Stewart (Image: MEN MEDIA)

A beloved daughter was found dead in her bed after suffering a suspected seizure two days after a “really good Christmas.

Maisie-Jade Thornton, 14, had spent Christmas Day with her large family in Accrington, including her father Stewart Thornton and step-mum Mel Stott. On December 27 she stayed over at her mum Rhiannon's house and went to bed as normal. But the next day she found her daughter had passed away in her sleep. Maisie-Jade had been diagnosed with epilepsy when she was ten and suffered several seizures over the years, with her family believing she had a seizure in her sleep.

Her aunt, Kelly Hodgson told LancsLive : “She really enjoyed herself, she had a really good Christmas Day. I've got a picture of her smiling. She was happy with all her presents, she got all sorts. They had like 13 or 14 family members over for Christmas Day, my brother and his girlfriend Mel.

“She was just so nice and caring and she would do anything for anyone. She was always smiling, always. We called her 'Moo' as well, the whole family called her Maisie Moo. It's just broken us as a family. I mean it's brought us together even more, but it's just broken us. We don't know what to do with ourselves."

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Tributes have come flooding in for Maisie-Jade, including from her dad Stewart. He described her daughter as "loved" and remembers "how sweet" she always was, adding: "we will always love and miss her."

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Kelly has created a for donations towards Maisie-Jade's funeral, which has reached £6,000. She added: "It's amazing. We're just so overwhelmed at people's generosity and support. We're a big family anyway, but I'm just overwhelmed by how much it's been shared."

Writing on the fundraising page, she added: “As most of you are aware our beautiful Maisie sadly passed away through the night on the 27th December after having an epileptic seizure. “Maisie was the sweetest most caring 14 year old and such a big part of the family’s lives. We will always miss you our beautiful angel Maisie Moo.

“I am setting this fund raising up on behalf of our whole family as funerals are expensive to begin with, never mind just 2 days after Christmas. We want to give her the send off she deserves, so if anyone wants to help please do so.” Although no date has yet been set for the teenager's funeral, those attending will be wearing purple in a nod to Maisie-Jade's favourite colour.

Antony Thrower