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Dad speaks of losing the “happiest girl in the world” who died suddenly in her sleep aged 5

Sophie Willox with brother Milo
Sophie Willox with brother Milo

The family of a five-year-old who died in her sleep have described the youngster as the “happiest girl in the world”.

Russell Willox said his daughter Sophie “made him a better person” and that he and his partner Kate were proud of everything she had achieved.

The couple are waiting for post-mortem results to confirm the cause of their daughter’s death, which came “out of the blue”.

Mr Willox, 38, discovered her in the morning after tucking her in the night before.

He said the family had enjoyed “just a normal day” before the tragedy.

Sophie was born with disabilities but had been making good progress.

Mr Willox said yesterday: “She was the happiest little girl in the world. She brought us so much joy.

“I don’t think she ever got into trouble, it was impossible. She would break things that were 100 years old and family heirlooms. But all we could say was ‘oh Sophie’.”

Speaking at the family home in Aberdeen’s Mannofield area, he added: “I know I am a better person having a daughter like Sophie and I know Kate feels the same.

“We are a lot more patient and understanding of things, and that is because of our daughter.

“I am incredibly proud of her and everything she achieved.

“We have been blessed to have her for five-and-a-half years, but our loss is heartbreaking.”

Mr Willox, an IT analyst at offshore firm ConocoPhillips, said his daughter loved to play outdoors and the family spent hours together at Hazlehead Park, her favourite place.

They hope part of Sophie’s funeral will be held in the park cafe, which she particularly enjoyed visiting with her seven-year-old brother Milo.

Sophie, who was born premature, spent much of her life walking with supports but recently made great progress towards being more independent.

Last month she travelled for two miles on her new pink bike, which had been loaned to the family by Aberdeen’s Hazlewood special school, which she had attended since October.

Sophie Willox
Sophie Willox

It was there, on her last day, that she had enjoyed a PE lesson and some Scottish country dancing.

“We were told she had been dancing with the janitor and that she just had a ball. I would loved to have seen that,” Mr Willox said.

Mr Willox said he and his partner had been overwhelmed by kindness following their loss and hoped to channel some of the goodwill into raising funds for the school.

Hazlewood is working to raise £20,000 to buy its pupils iPads, which have been shown to greatly aid their development.

Mr Willox said: “We don’t really need gifts or flowers at this time. It would mean a lot more if other kids could benefit the way that Sophie was going to benefit at the school.”

Anyone who wants to make a donation to the school can contact head teacher Jill Barry on 01224 321363.