The grieving parents of a three-year-old girl who died just days before Christmas today spoke for the first time of their loss.

Alan and Ruth Wray said their daughter Gail was a lovely, happy little child who would be missed by many people.

Gail, who was three in November, was taken ill suddenly on December 20 and died in Harwich Hospital.

A post mortem examination showed that the youngster died of natural causes but the exact cause of death is still not known as they are awaiting more test results.

Mr and Mrs Wray, of Harcourt Avenue, Dovercourt, said Christmas had been very difficult but Gail's brothers Martin, four, and six-year-old Richard, had kept them going.

Mrs Wray, 36, said: "They seemed to carry us through. They went to see Gail to say goodbye to her and we have told them she's gone to heaven but I don't know if it's sunk in yet."

Mr Wray, who works for Mandes printing company in Mistley, is also involved with Harwich and Parkeston Football Club.

At the club's match against the Ipswich Wanderers on Boxing Day, a minute's silence was held in Gail's memory.

Mr Wray said that many other people including the maternity staff who delivered Gail and members of the football team were extremely upset by her death.

Gail's funeral will be held on January 8 at the central methodist Church, Main Road, Dovercourt, followed by burial at Dovercourt Cemetery.

Mrs Wray said anybody who knew Gail is very welcome to the funeral, but asked for no flowers to be sent.

Instead the family have asked for donations to be sent to Harwich Hospital, the Ark Family Centre or the playgroup at Mayflower School, where Gail attended.

Mrs Wray said: "She was just a brilliant kid. She was a grade A all-rounder. She'll always be our little one."

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