Family set to say goodbye to beautiful Sunderland five-year-old Isla Wilkinson who died in her parents’ arms

Isla Wilkinson, from Plains Farm, died in her parents’ arms on Friday, December 6, just days after falling ill at home.

The Farringdon Primary School pupil had come down with a cough, temperature and sickness and her heart stopped as mum Alex Williams was preparing to take her to hospital on Tuesday, December 3.

Ambulance staff didn’t start her heart again for 20 minutes and she was sedated while her heart and brain mended.

Sadly, on the morning of Thursday, December 5, Isla’s brain started to swell and on Friday, December 6, she was given just hours to live.

Tragically, she passed away in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary that same day, surrounded by her loved ones.

The cause of Isla’s death is being investigated.

On Friday, December 20, Isla’s family and loved ones will say goodbye to the beautiful little girl at a funeral service, described as ‘a celebration of Isla’s life’, held at St Mary and St Peter’s Church on Springwell Road.

The service will begin at 2pm, followed by Sunderland Crematorium.

It follows a Go Fund Me fundraiser set up for Isla which has raised more than £16,000 to support the family's funeral costs so that they can give the much-loved youngster the most beautiful princess-style send-off possible.

The money will also help other families whose children fall ill through The Sick Children's Trust.

The family has thanked the local community for all they support they have received.