Family heartache as 'beautiful' daughter, 1, dies three years after her big brother

A heartbroken mother has paid tribute to her "beautiful" daughter who died three years after the sudden death of her big brother.

Alexander Cooper was just three when he died suddenly after being "a bit unwell" on Boxing Day 2021. On Thursday his sister Isabelle also lost her life less than a year after discovering she had the same rare genetic disorder as her brother.

Her mother, Dr Emily Cooper, a lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, said: "We are devastated to say our beautiful Isabelle died in the early hours of this morning. We are absolutely broken.

"However, we want you all not to think of her death, but to honour her by living life as she did: fearlessly, joyously and spontaneously."

When Alexander passed away on Boxing Day 2021, his death remained a mystery for nearly two years as there were barely any indications something might be amiss, WalesOnline reports. He had been celebrating Christmas the day before, open-heartedly enjoying the festivities and even dancing with his younger sibling Freddie.

The next day Emily returned home from a walk with Freddie the next day to find emergency services at her home. Alexander was rushed to the hospital where he died later that evening. In the wake of their son's death, his shattered parents embarked on a mission to raise awareness about sudden unexpected deaths in children, supporting the work of the charity Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood UK.

The family was left in the dark about the cause of Alexander's sudden passing for nearly two years. However, towards the end of last year, doctors discovered that he had a rare genetic disorder, PPA2 mutation, which both his parents, Emily and Darren Bowes, unknowingly carried. The devastating news meant that their three other children were also at risk of having the condition.

At the time, Emily was pregnant, and after undergoing tests, it was revealed Freddie and their unborn daughter were fortunately free of the condition. However, Isabelle was affected.

In a heartfelt post on X last December, Emily shared: "Everything is still so uncertain and new at the moment, we just watch and wait."

Fortunately, Isabelle has shown no symptoms so far, and the family has been told that children who inherit this condition can be affected in vastly different ways. Emily expressed her hope that Isabelle would be one of those who could lead a relatively normal life.

The family was gifted a defibrillator in case Isabelle experienced a sudden heart issue, and they have taken steps to protect her, including adopting a teetotal lifestyle and avoiding vinegar, as well as taking precautions against stomach bugs. Emily emphasized: "Mostly, we just need to give her as happy and normal a life as we can, and take each day as it comes, and we'll do just that."

She also urged others to appreciate the importance of good health and happiness, saying: "Be grateful for every day you and your children are healthy and happy. We know all too well how important that is. Please learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator. You might save a life like Alexander's."

Emily later shared on social media that despite her own crippling anxiety, Isabelle remained: "still the same cheeky, brave, healthy and happy girl". She continued: "Nothing has changed for her, so we have to try and keep life as calm and normal as possible for her too."

Isabelle had been feeling unwell in recent days, having been hospitalised with vomiting but was back home by Monday. Tragically, she passed away in the early hours of Thursday.