A heartbroken mother has told of her agony after her 10-year-old daughter died despite complaining for years of bowel problems.
Debbie Morrison, from Bury in Manchester, said Shaylisha and her twin sister Chardonnay had suffered from constipation since birth, which she reported to doctors.
However, she was told to simply give them lots of “fruit, vegetables and water” to help alleviate the problem, she said.
In May, Shaylisha was forced to miss school after suffering from days of diarrhea and vomiting.
But after she fell asleep on the couch one night, her father, Eddie, panicked and went to check on her later and discovered her unconscious.
Debbie Morrison, from Bury, Manchester, said Shaylisha (pictured) and her twin sister Chardonnay had suffered from constipation since birth, something she reported to doctors. However, she was told to simply give them plenty of “fruit, vegetables and water” to help ease the problem, she said.
In May, Shaylisha was forced to miss school after suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting for days. But one night, after falling asleep on the sofa, her panicked father Eddie went to check on her and found her unconscious. Pictured here, Shaylisha Morrison (right) with her sister Chardonnay Morrison (left).
Despite attempts at CPR by neighbors and paramedics, he could not be saved.
The cause of Shaylisha’s death has not yet been confirmed. However, a coroner has opened an investigation to determine the reason for her tragic passing.
Recalling her harrowing experience, Ms Morrison She said: ‘Both (Shaylisha and Chardonnay) suffered from constipation since birth.
‘We kept telling the authorities and professionals that something was not right.
“But all we were told was that this was normal for premature babies and that we should continue giving them plenty of water, fruit and vegetables. This has been going on for 10 years.
“No one has listened to us, and it took one of my daughters to die and her twin sister to end up in the hospital with exactly the same thing.”
She added: ‘My husband and I put our trust in health visitors, school nurses and GPs because they are professionals.
‘No one ever said they would be referred to hospital for scans or X-rays that should have already been done.
“Perhaps this could have been resolved years ago and this terrible experience would have been avoided.”
At her packed funeral last month, Mrs Morrison paid tribute to Shaylisha, telling mourners: “There is a place inside our hearts that only you can fill. You were the jewel of our hearts, you were loved in every way.”
Just four days after Shaylisha’s death, Chardonnay was admitted to hospital with similar symptoms. No further details were given about her diagnosis, but Ms Morrison said she was responding well to treatment.
At the inquest at Rochdale Coroner’s Court, police forensic officer Paul Lever confirmed Shaylisha had been ill and suffering from medical conditions on the day of her death.
She also said that her father found her dead on the couch at home on the night of May 30.
Just four days after Shaylisha’s death, Chardonnay was admitted to the hospital with similar symptoms.
No further details were given about her diagnosis, but Ms Morrison said She was responding well to treatment.
At her packed funeral last month, in tribute to Shaylisha, he told mourners: “There is a place inside our hearts that only you can fill. You were the jewel of our hearts, you were loved in every way.
“Now that you’re gone, we miss you so much every day. We love you, princess. Sleep tight and fly high. Shine bright, my beautiful shining star.”
The vicar added: ‘Her smile brought a smile to the faces of everyone who knew her.
‘She had a creative streak running through her, she loved art and was very artistic in many ways. She loved horses and loved seeing them on her way to school.
‘She was a shining star to Debbie and Eddie and to her brothers and sisters.’
Mrs Morrison, who is training to be a hairdresser, said Chardonnay was particularly sorry to hear of Shaylisha’s passing.
She said: ‘They were both inseparable, they were best friends and did everything together, they went to Elton Primary School together and played together.
‘They were both happy and lively girls, always smiling and there was never a dull moment, they were always happy.’
And she has now urged anyone with children who may have bowel problems to get them checked as soon as possible.