THE mum of a girl who died has said “it’s wonderful to know her sparkle continues” after her school friend sold unique ornaments designed to keep her memory alive.

Harriet Whatling, 9, of Colchester, hosted a pop-up shop in Oak Tree Coffeehouse, in Highwoods, in honour of Erin Sadler, who died before Christmas aged nine.

The quaint boutique boasted a collection of pretty trinkets which were created by Erin’s mum Helen Sadler, of Ipswich Road, Colchester.

In order to produce each one-off ornament, the brave and inspiring mum encased pieces of sponge cut-up by Erin before her death in resin.

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Using her late daughter’s glitter and a variety of other Erin-themed decoration tools she then added resin butterfly designs to each piece.

Helen said: “I’m so moved people want a little part of Erin with them, it is really wonderful to know her sparkle continues and she is still so loved.

“The butterfly has become a symbol for Erin and people are buying the ornaments to travel with them - there’s currently one in Singapore and another in Australia.

“Harriet did an awesome job with her brother Stanley, mum and dad, and she has always been a gorgeous friend to Erin.

“Although their lifestyles were so different they always cracked on and had fun and knowing Erin knew friendship like that is precious.”

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In total, Harriet’s efforts raised an impressive £500 for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which supported Erin throughout her life.

“Harriet wanted to do something positive in memory of Erin so she didn't hesitate to say yes when Helen asked,” added Harriet’s mum Chloe.

“She also wanted to help raise money and awareness for such an important charity and my son Stanley also wanted to help so he volunteered too.

“I was just so proud of her; she spent time to make signs and set the stall up. She loved talking to people about Erin. They had a special friendship.”

Prior to hear death Erin had battled blood, kidney, liver and heart disease, endured endless blood transfusions, and survived sepsis, a haemorrhage and a cardiac arrest.

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“I miss her so desperately and I am so grateful her legacy is strong and she continues to inspire,” added Helen.

“It’s a gut-wrenching fear of mine she will be forgotten but her impact seems to remain as present as ever and I really need that.”

In support of Helen Sadler's fundraising drive for the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, the Gazette has launched the For The Love of Erin Campaign.

If you are planning on hosting an event or completing a challenge to raise money for the charity in support of Erin’s mum please email george.king@newsquest.co.uk.