The mother of an "adorable" five-year-old girl has shared the heartbreaking story of how her daughter was found dead just hours after being diagnosed with tonsillitis and discharged from hospital. Rachael Mincherton's daughter, Lila Marsland, was taken to Tameside Hospital in Greater Manchester after she began complaining of neck pain, a headache and had been vomiting.

Rachael asked hospital staff if Lila could have meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The mum, who worked as a nurse at the time, was then told that Lila actually had tonsillitis and she was given oral antibiotics and discharged.

Tragically, just hours later, in December 2023, Rachael woke up around 9am to find that Lila was unresponsive. Speaking ahead of an inquest starting next week, said: "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, from Hyde, Greater Manchester, also paid tribute to Lila, describing her as "the most amazing and adorable little girl" who had 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 be 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."

Following their devastating loss, Rachael and her partner, Darren Marsland, 42, have launched the charity "Lila's Light" which aims to raise funds for hospitals to provide bereavement bags for siblings who have lost a brother or sister, reports. They've successfully raised over £10,000 through various initiatives including a family fun day and a charity football match.

Rachael shared: "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 formal inquiry into the young girl's demise is set to commence at Manchester South Coroner's Court in Stockport on Tuesday, May 27. Preliminary findings suggest signs of meningitis bacteria were present in the fluid around Lila's brain.

Rachael and Darren, who also have a 15 year old daughter named Ava, are seeking closure from the inquest, hoping it will shed light on the "answers they deserve" regarding their loss. They're backed by specialist medical negligence solicitors at Irwin Mitchell.

Rachael shared: "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, the specialist medical negligence solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, who is representing the couple, expressed: "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."

He further noted: "While nothing can makeup for their devastating loss, the inquest is a crucial step in providing Lila's loved ones with the answers they deserve. Should any care issues be identified during the inquest, it's imperative that lessons are learned to enhance patient safety."

The Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for the hospital in question, has been approached for a statement.

Further information about the charity can be found on Facebook.