A terminally ill little girl, who spent last year fundraising for the hospice caring for her, has died, aged just five. Within days, more than £10,000 has been raised in her memory.

Thea Harris, who attended Letchmore Infants' and Nursery School in Stevenage, was born with a rare genetic condition called alagille syndrome.

The Comet: Thea Harris made a huge impact during her short life.Thea Harris made a huge impact during her short life. (Image: East and North Hertfordshire NHS Hospitals' Charity)

Her parents, Rachel and Paul, explained: "The symptoms mostly affected her internal organs. Her heart, liver and kidneys were malformed and did not work as well as a healthy child's.

"This left Thea with further complications - shortness of breath with low blood oxygen levels, fatigue, jaundice, and the inability to effectively absorb vital vitamins, which resulted in poor growth and physical development and osteopenia (weak bones)."

READ MORE

Thea, who was unable to walk unaided, had an indomitable spirit and refused to let her condition get her down.

Spending a lot of time on the children's ward at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, Thea thoroughly enjoyed visits from shetland ponies and Disney princesses, and her infectious smile was never far away.

The Comet: Thea loved school, where she had made lots of friends.Thea loved school, where she had made lots of friends. (Image: East and North Hertfordshire NHS Hospitals' Charity)

Just last year, she helped her pre-school - Clare's Little Bears in Stevenage - raise more than £1,000 for Keech Hospice Care, where she was receiving palliative care.

READ MORE

In September, Thea started primary school, something Rachel and Paul didn't know if she would ever be well enough to do. 

"We thought she deserved to have as normal a life as possible, so she went to school, which she loved, and made friends," Rachel said.

"Last year, her doctors gave us a life expectancy of six to 12 months, and said to expect her to be really poorly during this time and to be in and out of hospital.

"She actually managed to stay out of hospital for the whole year and had the most amazing time!"

READ MORE

Rachel continued: "In her short life, she's made such an impact. There were up to 200 people at her funeral. She definitely made her mark."

The Comet: Just last year, Thea helped raise money for Keech Hospice Care, where she was receiving palliative care.Just last year, Thea helped raise money for Keech Hospice Care, where she was receiving palliative care. (Image: East and North Hertfordshire NHS Hospitals' Charity)

A Go Fund Me page set up in Thea's name reached its £3,000 target within 48 hours and the total now stands close to £10,500.

"We are so proud of the legacy she leaves behind and feel this should be celebrated," Rachel said, adding that both Lister's children's ward and Keech Hospice Care will receive a portion of the funds, "as they have done so much for our family over the years".

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/f/celebrating-thea.