“SHE will always be in our hearts” – those were the words of the parents of Yate toddler Ivie Boulton, who sadly passed away last week.

Three-year-old Ivie died peacefully in the arms of her mum and dad on Wednesday, March 1, after contracting a rare form of flu in January and becoming seriously unwell.

She had been awaiting a heart transplant in Newcastle Hospital but passed away following an unrepairable bleed on her lungs. 

Ivie’s parents, Scarlett and Gavin, have since paid tribute to their daughter, telling the Gazette that she was “the most loving, funniest and happy little girl, with the cheekiest smile in the world”.

They said they would like to thank all of the people who rallied to support their family. 

“The support and kind words since Ivie passed away have been amazing and she really touched so many lives,” they said.

“We had an overwhelming amount of support in all of the fundraising events and we are forever grateful to each and every person who helped set up and organise them.

“We would like to give a personal thanks to Bristol Children’s hospital, particularly James, Helen, Vicki and Molly, for everything they have done.”

Ivie, who has a twin sister, was initially taken ill with flu on January 24, after being sick a number of times overnight.

She was rushed to the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) by ambulance, and was later transferred to a transplant unit in Newcastle after nowhere else would take her.

Having travelled up north to stay with their daughter, Scarlett and Gavin were able to stay at Scott House – a free ‘home from home’ accommodation service run by The Sick Children’s Trust.

They have since praised the staff for their care and support during the devastating ordeal.

“Thanks to Newcastle for giving Ivie the chance when nowhere else would and to Scott house where we stayed and were made to feel welcome and comfortable,” they said. 

“We will be doing fundraising in the future for them in the future.”

Kay Harris, cousin of Scarlett and Gavin, spoke to the Gazette about the amazing courage of the parents, who have three other children.

She said: “People who don’t know them just won’t know how extraordinary they are.

“They are a wonderful couple who live for their children.”

She added: “The support for the family has been so overwhelming and whilst we did not get the miracle we were all praying for, it would be a miracle if every person affected by her story became an organ donor.”

Kay is inviting the community to remember Ivie on March, 18 at Westerleigh Common, where people are asked to release light-up helium balloons in memory of the toddler.

The event starts at 7.30pm and there will be a raffle on the night with proceeds being donated to Ivie’s parents.

A number of additional fundraising events have been announced to help support Scarlett and Gavin, who are self-employed and have been unable to work for the past six weeks.

The three-year-old’s Aunt, Ellie Beckett, is raising money for the costs of Ivie’s funeral through a Just Giving page. 

She said: “It is heart breaking what has happened to such a beautiful young child.

“I plan to abseil down the Spinnaker tower in Portsmouth on April 16 and any donations would be much appreciated.”