"Extremely loved" schoolgirl died after diabetes "resulted in multiple organ failure"

Q Radio News

The parents of an 11-year-old Lurgan schoolgirl who died suddenly this week say their daughter had unknowingly developed diabetes.

Maddy-Leigh Harbinson died on Monday at the Royal Victoria Hospital after falling ill over the weekend.

In an emotional statement to Q Radio on Wednesday night, Colin and Sabrina Harbinson said their daughter was "extremely loved...and will be greatly missed."

Maddy-Leigh is also survived by her brother Tristen.

The little girl's parents revealed she had unknowingly developed Type 1 Diabetes that resulted in multiple organ failure.

Her parents described her as a bright, pleasant girl who enjoyed baking, drama, dancing and singing.

Maddy-Leigh was a first year pupil at Lismore Comprehensive School whose staff and pupils have been sharing their shock at the death on social media.

A funeral service for the 11-year-old will take place at noon on Thursday at St. Anthony's Church in Craigavon.

Family statement in full:

Harbinson and McComb Family on the death of Maddy-Leigh Harbinson

It is with profound sadness that Sabrina and Colin Harbinson mourn the sudden loss of their daughter Maddy-Leigh aged 11. She is survived by her only brother Tristen. Maddy-Leigh passed away in the Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital on Monday 18th February.
Maddy-Leigh unknowingly developed Type 1 Diabetes that resulted in multiple organ failure.
Maddy-Leigh was a pupil in Year 8 at Lismore Comprehensive School. She was a bright pleasant girl who enjoyed baking, drama and attended FADD for dancing along with singing coaching.
She was extremely loved and will be greatly missed, such was the bond as a daughter, granddaughter, God-daughter, cousin and niece.
Sabrina and Colin would like to thank the NI Ambulance service, Craigavon Area Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children Intensive Care Unit, St Anthony’s Parish Craigavon and the surrounding parishes of Lurgan, Lismore Comprehensive School, Newmill’s Presbyterian Church, FADD and to the family and friends who have prayed and supported them through this difficult and tragic time.-

Harbinson and McComb Family statement on the death of Maddy-Leigh Harbinson from Lurgan. Picture: Maddy-Leigh and Trixie. Copyright. pic.twitter.com/Tj4Q28LM9y

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 20, 2019

Maddy-Leigh Harbinson (RIP):

As a school community we are saddened to learn of the death of one of our Year 8 students, Maddy-Leigh Harbinson (RIP).

Maddy-Leigh passed away yesterday suddenly but peacefully at Royal Victoria Hospital. pic.twitter.com/fXLTJKBXrI

— Lismore Comp (@lismorecomp) February 19, 2019

You can find out more information about the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes by clicking on this link: https://bit.ly/2vYhxxo