The heartbroken family of a County Durham toddler who died after a suspected assault have released pictures showing what she was like in the months leading up to her death.
Heartbreaking family photos and videos show what a happy and smiley little girl Maya Louise Chappell was.
The pictures, which show Maya in a onesie, visiting Santa and even playing at a park, comes as the family remain devastated at her loss.
In one moving picture she is enjoying a cuddle with her dad, James Chappell, who has given The Northern Echo permission to publish the pictures.
Read more: Heartbroken dad pays tribute as toddler injured in Shotton Colliery incident dies in hospital
A video released by her family shows her saying ‘Cheese Maya’, laughing as she grins for the camera.
They will remain as cherished memories for her loved ones.
They are also bittersweet in that they highlight the tragedy that has befallen her in horrendous circumstances.
The youngster died on Friday, two days after an incident under investigation at her home in Shotton Colliery.
Little Maya was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition and police arrested a man on suspicion of assault with intent to cause serious harm.
Michael Daymond, 26, formerly of Shotton Colliery, was last night charged with murder and is due before magistrates in Peterlee on Friday. morning.
The nature of criminal investigation has stunned people in the tight knit community and the fence outside her home on Milton Grove has become a shrine.
On Friday, at 7.30pm, her family in Consett, is holding a candlelit vigil in her memory.
Maya’s tragic death has touched people across the region and over £7,000 has been raised in her memory to give her a fitting send off.
In an emotional post following her death on Friday Maya’s dad James wrote: “I love you so much Maya Louise Chappell, you are my life, my earth and my idol and I’ll always look up to you and love you with all my heart.”
Read next:
- Police provide update into Shotton Colliery investigation
- County Durham toddler dies in hospital after alleged assault as investigation continues
- County Durham toddler fighting for her life as man is arrested after incident
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