A heartbroken Ayrshire family have paid tribute to their beautiful baby girl after she tragically passed away.
Baby Lily-Ann Jardine-Hughes passed away on Thursday, April 21. She was just four months old.
Devastated first-time parents Derrick Hughes and Jennifer Jardine, from Kilmarnock, spoke about how loved the newborn was after a kind neighbour set up a fundraiser to give the baby girl the send off she deserves.
The 22-year-old dad said: "Lilly-Ann was such a joy to the world. She was just my wee cheeky monkey and was always so happy.
"She was born on Friday, November 26, 2021 and she was such a healthy, well-looked after baby.
"Lilly-Ann was so wanted and loved. She was taken from us too soon.
"It was our next-door neighbour who set up the fundraiser. So far, it has raised over £500 and we both want to thank everyone who has donated at this tragic time."
It is not yet known how baby Lilly-Ann died as the results of the post-mortem haven't been concluded.
"We don't know what the cause of death is yet," Derrick said. "She had seizures and we think that is how she died because all of her organs — except her brain — were healthy.
"We had numerous visits to the hospital and they kept us in one night and one day on two occasions.
"It could've been undiagnosed epilepsy."
Kayleigh Clark originally set up the online fundraiser and it's hoped the community will help them reach a £3,000 goal.
The fundraiser reads: "It's with great sadness Jennifer, Derrick and family need help from all of us at this sad time. Lilly-Ann was just too good for this world.
"The family have had the worst week. They want to give Lilly-Ann the best send off she deserves but need to ask for some help as this was their plans for life but life had other plans for them. No matter how big or small the family are very grateful."
The couple who have been together for over three years picked Lilly-Ann's years earlier.
"Jennifer always liked the name Lilly-Ann and she really suited it," added Derrick. "We are devastated. I feel empty and emotionally drained."
You can donate to baby Lilly-Ann's funeral fund here.
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