‘Remembered forever for her courage and bravery’

Just as her brave battle against cancer captured the hearts of people, little Erika Martin's recent death also led to a wide outpouring of grief in her community.

Erika passed away late on December 6 with her mother Louise and father Joe by her side.

In a moving post on Facebook a short time after her passing, Erika's heartbroken family said: “Our beautiful and courageous princess grew her wings tonight. Erika will be loved and missed always, fly high. Our brightest star in the sky.”

Erika spent much of her short life battling illness. Born prematurely at 31 weeks, she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and needed a shunt inserted into her brain. On Christmas Eve 2018, she was also diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

After receiving treatment in Germany last year, Erika got all the clear. However, sadly the disease returned earlier this year. A major fundraising drive had been started to enable Erika to receive potentially life-saving treatment in the United States, but it wasn't to be.

Erika's bravery in the face of adversity captured the hearts of the people of Mullingar and further afield. Through a wide variety of events tens of thousands of euros were raised to help Erika's family do everything they could to try and help their little girl.

The depth of people's affection for Erika is reflected in the more than 500 heartfelt messages that were posted on Facebook after the news emerged of her untimely passing.

“Beautiful Erika was a tough little fighter and an amazing little girl. She went through it all with a smile on her face. Thinking of you all. RIP little Angel xxx,” one poster said.

Another poster said that Erika “will be remembered forever for her courage and bravery”.

Erika is survived by her parents, Louise and Joe, big sister Sasha. Grandparents Mary, Oliver, Ian and Mag, great-grandparents Jim and Liz Kelly, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.