Surrey bowler Matt Dunn has paid tribute to his tragic toddler who died at the age of two from a severe form of epilepsy.
The cricketer made a heartbreaking tribute to his daughter Florence who suffered from a rare form of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome.
On his Instagram Stories, he posted a picture of tragic Florence adding the caption: “You will forever be in my heart”.
Another post on a separate account detailing Florence’s battle with Dravet announced her death on Wednesday.
“Our beautiful girl gained her angel wings and was lost to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).
“To find the words at this time is almost impossible. You were so incredibly loved and the imprint you have left on so many lives is something to behold, you lit up any room you entered. We will be forever so proud of you and your fight baby girl.”
A statement from Surrey county cricket club read: “Everyone at Surrey is greatly saddened by the news of the passing of Matt Dunn’s daughter Florence. Our thoughts are with Matt and his wife Jessica, who bravely managed Florence’s Dravet Syndrome – a severe form of epilepsy.”
Surrey’s director of cricket Alec Stewart added: “We are all absolutely devastated to hear of Florence’s passing and our very best wishes are with the whole Dunn family. We will provide Matt and Jessica with all the support that we can.”
Fast bowler Dunn, a Surrey Academy graduate, now 30, received a call up to the England Lions in 2014 but has since been delayed in his progress by a series of injuries.