Cancer-stricken Olivia Downie dies days after mercy flight from Mexico

A cancer-stricken youngster who was flown back to Scotland on Wednesday after being stranded in Mexico has died.

Seven-year-old Olivia Downie, who suffered from Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer that attacks the nervous system and can affect the lungs, skin and brain, passed away at hospital surrounded by her family on Friday morning.

She had travelled with her family to Mexico for “last ditch” treatment but when the treatment failed her parents, Lauren and Steven, found themselves stranded in Mexico.

An emotional appeal was made to help fly Olivia home and more than £150,000 was donated by the public to Families Against Neuroblastoma (FAN), who organised the trip.

The Fraserburgh youngster was flown back to Scotland on Wednesday and taken straight to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

In a statement, her parents said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that our darling daughter Olivia slipped away peacefully this morning after her long and courageous battle.

“We are so thankful that, thanks to the generosity of so many people, we have been able to take her home to Scotland so she could have her family by her side. Words cannot express how grateful we are that this final journey was made possible.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the medical and nursing teams both at NHS Grampian and overseas who have also been part of our lives for so long.

“We were blessed to have had Olivia in our lives and her cheeky smile that shone like a star will be with us forever.”

Mr and Mrs Downie also appealed for privacy at “such a devastating time in all our lives”.

Fraserburgh councillor Michael Watt said it was an "extremely sad day" for the local community.

He said: "It is very sad, sad news and certainly everybody's hearts are with the family and our thoughts go out to them at this difficult time.

"It is a tragic situation and very traumatic and difficult for the whole family and I am sure everybody is thinking of them at this time."

Families Against Neuroblastoma announced the news of Olivia’s death in a heartfelt message on their Facebook page which said: “It is with deepest sorrow we share with you the news that our sweet, brave Olivia has gained her angel wings.

“Olivia you were the bravest of hearts and simply adorable, you will be so sorely missed by many and remembered always. Play pain free among friends now sweetheart, forever 7.”

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