Devastated family and friends of a toddler who died two days after a suspected assault are raising money to give her a 'send-off to heaven that such a special little girl like her deserves'.
The tragic death of two-year-old Maya Louise Chappell touched the hearts of people across the region after shocking details of the incident in Shotton Colliery emerged on Wednesday.
Emergency services were called to her home in Milton Grove and she was airlifted to hospital while police arrested a man in his 20s at the scene.
Read more: Floral tributes left outside County Durham home after heartbreaking death of toddler
Maya’s family has set up an online fundraiser to go towards her funeral and within hours the target of £1,000 was smashed, currently standing at over £3,500.
Maya’s dad, James Chappell, who lives in Consett, posting a link on Facebook, said: “I want my daughter to have a day that’s just as amazing as her image and show people want an amazing little girl she truly was.”
It is understood there will be balloon releases and lantern releases on the day of Maya’s funeral, as well as people wearing her favourite colour in her honour.
In another post, James said: “I am also wanting to make the town pink for the day as it was my little girls favourite colour so if ya have pink wear it or show it.
“Anyone who would like to take part and show their support is more than welcome.
“Thank you so much for all the love and prayers you have all shown my beautiful little angel so far.”
Communities are now rallying around in a show of support following Maya’s death at the RVI in Newcastle on Friday.
A bucket has been put on the bar in the Grove and Moorside Club, near Consett, to raise funds, and floral tributes have been left outside the house she lived at in Shotton Colliery.
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The mid-terraced is being treated as a crime scene and police have said the criminal inquiry into Maya’s death is continuing.
Read more: Suspect quizzed over serious assault after girl, 2, is critically injured
A man in his 20s arrested on suspicion of assault with intent to cause serious harm has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
A Just Giving page has been set up with James’ consent by Rachael Walls who said Maya’s death was a ‘huge shock’ to the family.
On the page she wrote: “We as a family have taken a little comfort in seeing how many people's lives Maya has touched.
“Her smile was so bright, her laugh so infectious and her cheeky character meant you couldn't help but love her.
“She was loved my many and will continue to be loved forever.
“The family would love to be able to give Maya the send-off to heaven that such a special little girl like her deserves.
“We would be very grateful for any contribution big or small towards her funeral costs.
“We want to make her day as amazing as she was.”
To contribute to the fundraiser click here
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