Rachael Mincherton’s daughter Lila Marsland was taken to hospital after she started complaining of neck pain, a headache and had been vomiting
The mother of an “adorable” five-year-old girl has shared the heartbreaking story of how her daughter tragically died just hours after being sent home from the hospital with a tonsillitis diagnosis. Rachael Mincherton’s daughter, Lila Marsland, was rushed to Tameside Hospital in Greater Manchester following symptoms of neck pain, headache and vomiting.
At the time, Rachael, who worked as a nurse, questioned whether Lila could be suffering from meningitis, which involves inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Despite her concerns, she said that they were informed by the medical team that Lila was actually battling tonsillitis, for which she was prescribed oral antibiotics and subsequently discharged.
Nevertheless, in December 2023 Rachael experienced every parent’s nightmare when she discovered her unresponsive daughter at approximately 9am the next morning.
Ahead of an upcoming inquest, the 36-year-old mum from Hyde reflected on the devastating loss: “When we arrived home from hospital, I slept with Lila that night and when I woke she was unresponsive. The paramedics arrived in minutes and did everything they could, but it was too late. At that moment our family changed forever.”
Rachael said Lila was “the most amazing and adorable little girl” with a “zest for life”.
She added: “Lila was the most amazing and adorable little girl. She was a gentle soul who had many friends and all the teachers at school thought the world of her.
“I’d pick Lila up and it would take half an hour to leave as she would be hugging all of the teachers. Lila played with her friends, loved dancing, cheerleading and Rainbows.
“She had a zest for life and her entire future ahead of her. It breaks our hearts that she’ll never get to make the most of life and fulfil her potential.”
Since the tragic loss of Lila, Rachael and her partner Darren Marsland, 42, have been driven to honour her memory by establishing “Lila’s Light”, a charity aimed at supporting bereaved siblings in hospitals with special bereavement bags. Their fundraising efforts, including a family fun day and a charity football match, have successfully gathered more than £10,000.
Rachael said: “No family thinks they’ll ever find themselves in this position. It’s almost impossible to put into words the feeling of loss our family faces every day and how Lila’s death will remain with us forever.
“We wouldn’t wish what we’re having to go through on anyone. However, fundraising is our way of trying to keep Lila’s memory alive while also giving something back and helping other families who may need support.”
An eight-day inquest into the young girl’s untimely passing is scheduled to commence at Manchester South Coroner’s Court in Stockport on Tuesday, May 27. Preliminary findings suggest that Lila exhibited signs of meningitis bacteria in the fluid around her brain.
Rachael and Darren, who also have a 15-year-old daughter, Ava, hope the inquest will give them the “answers they deserve” and provide closure. They have enlisted the help of specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support them through the process.
Rachael said: “One of the hardest things to try and come to terms with is having so many unanswered questions about why Lila died. We know the inquest and listening to the evidence is going to be incredibly difficult, but it’s something we need to do to establish answers for our girl.”
Jack Bookey, an expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing the family, said: “Rachael and Darren remain devastated at losing their little girl so suddenly and tragically. Understandably, they have a number of questions and concerns over what happened to Lila and the events leading up to her death.
“While nothing can make up for their devastating loss, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide Lila’s loved ones with the answers they deserve. If during the course of the inquest any issues in Lila’s care are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.”
The Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for running the hospital, has been approached for comment.
Further information about the charity can be found on its Facebook page.
