13 February 2024 , 21:43
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A young girl made a selfless request while she lay dying from aggressive cancer in hospital.
Brave Aneliya Tihomirova Lazarova, 12, prayed for other sick children while she was suffering from acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive and fast-progressing cancer of the white blood cells. Aneliya, known as Annie, died at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital last June.
An inquest into her death at Manchester Coroner's Court on Monday heard how Annie had been diagnosed with aggressive cancer in 2022. During her treatment, she was transferred from Alder Hey to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. She underwent a bone marrow transplant in September that year that started off a 'series of events', Area Coroner Zak Golombek said.
Aneliya also developed 'critical illnesses' according to Professor Wynn, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist, including bilateral chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), critical illness myopathy, sepsis, and the breakdown of a number of her organs. Her medical cause of death was noted as multi-organ failure, caused by the bone marrow transplant she underwent due to her leukaemia.
(MEN Media)Speaking to the Manchester Evening News after the inquest, Annie's dad Tiho Lazarov said that despite her own worsening condition, 'brave' Aneliya still 'prayed' for other sick children in the hospital. He said her family, who are from Middleton, were around her when she died and called his daughter a 'true hero' and an 'inspiration'.
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In a tribute, he said: "Annie is a bright soul and angel in the sky. [We] remember her with the legacy that she left to help other children and families to not go through what we were going through for 15 months, 24/7."
"She would always pray for all the kids and babies around her in the hospital. She was a lovely child interested in music, arts and crafts, sports, dancing, research and studies far more intelligent to help and create a better future. She was dreaming of being a doctor and a singer. Annie was a star that touched everyone with her kindness and humanity."
Annie still prayed for other sick children while she was dying from cancer in hospital (MEN Media)The inquest heard how the side effects and reaction to her bone marrow transplant contributed to her death. Aneliya tragically passed away aged 12 on June 11 2023 surrounded by her family. Mr Golombek recorded a narrative conclusion, explaining that Aneliya "died from recognised side effects of necessary treatment".
Addressing her dad Tiho, Mr Golombek said: "I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to you - and for those to be extended to other family members and friends."
"I cannot imagine how difficult these last few years have been for you all. I know from the statement that you provided what Aneliya was like and who she was away from these awful and tragic events. I hope in time that they will be your memories of her and not the time she spent unwell and in hospital."