A LITTLE girl who defied doctors by living past her first birthday has died aged seven.

Grace Whiting, from Eccleshill, passed away on Thursday after a brave battle with a rare genetic disorder which only affects around two people in the UK every year.

Grace was born with Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, a life-limiting metabolic condition which caused her cells to die rather than re-charge.

It affected her sight and hearing but her mum, Layna Harding, 31, and father Andy Whiting, 33, said their daughter made the most of life, enjoying a trip to Disneyland Paris through the Make A Wish children’s charity.

During her short life, the youngster was in and out of Martin House Hospice which became “a happy place” for Grace and her doting family, said close friend Lisa Howard, who has started a crowdfunding campaign to help pay for the funeral.

Just 24 hours after her page went live on the Justgiving site, donations had poured in and reached more than 60 per cent of the £1,000 target.

Doctors had expected Grace to deteriorate from birth but she defied their expectations despite her problems and developmental delay.

Friends and well-wishers have helped Grace’s family over the years to raise money for a sensory room for Grace as well as money for Martin House Hospice, which has supported her family.

A 500-mile sponsored cycle ride collected more than £1,700.

Ms Howard said: “It was inevitable at some point that Grace would pass away but it’s still been a shock for everyone.

“She’d seemed all right recently which has made it even more heart-breaking but she had beaten the odds. She was an amazing little girl.”

Martin House Hospice in Boston Spa provides family-led care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

It supports families such as Grace’s from across West, North and East Yorkshire, both at the hospice and in the community.

A spokesman said: “Our families are at the heart of everything we do and we value each member as an individual with their own needs.”

Some children might need hospice care for a relatively short time if they have a malignant disease, such as cancer, where palliative care is needed but the majority have longer term, progressive disorders.

Referrals are accepted for children and young people from birth to 19.

Even without a referral, both families and professionals can seek advice at any time from Martin House’s experienced professionals.

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gracewhiting to make a donation to the appeal in memory of Grace.