How the tragic death of a little girl is proving an inspiration to others

The family of a baby girl who died aged just five weeks have rallied together to ensure her short life is never forgotten.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Nov 2018, 10:59 BST
Updated 8th Jan 2019, 17:03 BST
Some of Arianna's Army with mum Lisa Lock and children Olivia and EthanSome of Arianna's Army with mum Lisa Lock and children Olivia and Ethan
Some of Arianna's Army with mum Lisa Lock and children Olivia and Ethan

The family have formed Arianna’s Army in memory of little Arianna Rose Lock who lost her battle for life after being diagnosed in the womb with hydrops fetalis - a condition which causes a build up of fluid in the body.

Arianna’s grieving mum Lisa, from Pulborough, was so touched by public support after Arianna died that she wanted to help others in need.

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“We have set this up in memory of my daughter,” she said. “The idea behind it is that when my baby passed away the community pulled together so much for me, a lot of strangers as well as friends and family, made such an awful time a little bit easier. I want to do the same for others that may have need of some care.”

More members of Arianna's Army who are keeping little Arianna's memory alive while also helping othersMore members of Arianna's Army who are keeping little Arianna's memory alive while also helping others
More members of Arianna's Army who are keeping little Arianna's memory alive while also helping others

Arianna’s Army - formed with help from Lisa’s eldest daughter Olivia and son Ethan, along with Lisa’s sisters and friends in Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex - aims to provide some Christmas cheer to families facing a hard time. And they are asking the public to nominate families across West Sussex who may be in need of some help and a little extra Christmas help.

A number of drop-off points have been set up where people can donate items of food, toys or gifts. Lisa’s sister Dawn Ives said: “The family felt such support from the community that in Arianna’s memory we now want to give something back. We’re asking people to please donate what you can and help some very deserving families have a Christmas they deserve.”

Items can be donated any time from now until December 20 at the following locations: My Choice Children’s Homes, Unit 3a Mill Green Business Estate, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1XQ, (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm); Short Stay UK, Avery House, Brunel Place. Crawley RH10 1JB; Sheddingdean Baptist Church (based in Sheddingdean Primary School), Petworth Drive, Burgess Hill,(Sundays 10am-12pm); Maple Drive Community Hall, Maple Drive, Burgess Hill, RH15 8UA; St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Link Lane, Pulborough, RH20 2AN.