LITTLE Ellie Wilkinson's famous smile will live on, as will the wonderful memories she has left behind. The valiant little girl, who had a penchant for funky pink glasses, sadly lost her fight for life yesterday morning at 3.00am in Palma's Son Espases hospital.
There can be few people on this island who are unaware of the Wilkinson family's plight as they endured, with great fortitude, their almost impossible quest to find a cure for Ellie's rare illness Mitochondrial Deficiency complex 11.
Jason, Ellie's devoted father, told the Bulletin yesterday that there are simply too many people to thank individually, but he and his wife Candice wish to thank all the good hearted people who have supported them throughout the difficult times, many of whom were involved in numerous fundraising events in Ellie's name.
Awareness of Ellie's illness came to the fore in December 2008 when Tracy Flay and Corinne Taylor held the first fundraiser, a Christmas Fair in Portals Nous and Ellie's Fund' was born.
In June 2009 I visited the Wilkinson family at their Son Ferrer home and found an air of optimism despite the fact that during the intervening six months the family had faced many traumatic times as Ellie's health fluctuated erratically.
On that summer's day everyone was buoyant as Physiotherapist Tracey Evans and Paediatric Occupational Therapist Kirsty Moore worked with Ellie who was literally making great strides thanks to the dedicated professionals.
Everyone who is acquainted with Candice and Jason Wilkinson is in awe of their resilience, something Ellie obviously inherited: these exceptional people remained unfailingly cheerful and optimistic during this harrowing time, but this was surely their public face.
The heartbreaking journey that they have trod since their youngest daughter fell ill would have driven most people to utter despair, but they never complained, nor lost faith, merely soldiered on making life special for both their daughters. Candice and Jason wish to invite everyone who loved Ellie to come along to her funeral which will be held at Calvia Cemetery on Saturday morning at 10.00am.
They ask that people wear bright colours; the occasion will be a celebration of their little girl's life.
There is a website for Ellie
Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, Look upon a little child, Pity my simplicity, Suffer me to come to Thee
RIP Ellie Brooke Wilkinson born 5th March 2007.
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