A BABY given just a 15 per cent chance of reaching her first birthday has died two weeks before it.

Chlo Leanne Bibby died in the arms of her 23-year-old mother, Leanne, at 7.30pm last Thursday, in Airedale Hospital.

Leanne, of Prior Street, said: "She looked up into my eyes one last time before she went.

"I then carried her home to be with her family."

Grandmother Yvonne said: "We knew the situation and knew it would happen at some point, but it has still come as a shock.

"She was a happy and healthy baby right up until Wednesday night, when her breathing became laboured.

"When we took her to Airedale we were told that it would probably be her last day with us."

Chlo, who was born on April 4 last year, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy in November.

Dr Alison Britland, Chlo's consultant paediatrician, said: "Sadly, as we expected, Chlo did pass away before her first birthday.

"Her family did everything they could for her in her first year to make it very special.

"They did so many things with her and surrounded her with her family and surrounded her with love.

"This condition is a progressive neurological disease that is untreatable and very sadly causes children to die in infancy."

Leanne and her family had been holding special birthday parties on the fourth of every month to celebrate Chlo's life.

They have also been raising money for the children's hospice, Martin House, over the past few months.

In a 'Slim for Spring', family, various shops in Keighley, Greenhead High School and the Keighley Cougars, for whom Chlo was a mascot, have raised more than £1,000 for the organisation, which was a big part of Chlo's life.

Of her beloved daughter, Leanne said: "She was everything to me, my beautiful, smiley, happy baby girl. I feel so lucky and glad I was chosen to be her mum."

Before Chlo died, she signed a mother's day card, with a little help from her grandma.

The following day a personal message also appeared in the KN from the baby to her mum.

It said: "Thank you for being my wonderful mummy. I will love you forever."

A funeral service took place at Keighley Shared Parish Church on Wednesday. A collection was taken for Airedale Hospital's Ward 17, where Chlo was cared for.

Family and friends wore pink in honour of the 'beautiful pink girl'.