Heartbroken Scots parents pay tribute to ‘special' baby girl who died from rare condition at nine days old
FAMILY'S PAIN Heartbroken Scots parents pay tribute to 'special' baby girl who died from rare condition at nine days old
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A SCOTS couple have been left heartbroken after their "special" baby girl died from a rare condition at just nine days old.
Tiny Rita Grace Ghazala was born on December 9 last year but sadly passed away days later.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Parents Elizabeth and Fadi with their baby girl Rita while in hospital
Credit: Facebook/GlasgowChildrensHospitalCharity
Proud parents Elizabeth, 31, and Fadi, 34, said their "beautiful" daughter was a "huge inspiration" during her short life.
The tot was diagnosed in the womb with the life-limiting condition Edwards' Syndrome - also called trisomy 18.
It is a rare genetic condition that cannot currently be cured and is caused by an extra chromosome in the body's cells.
With trisomy 18 there are three copies of chromosome 18 rather than the usual two.
Little Rita died at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children nine days after she was born.
She passed away on December 17 at the exact same time that she was born at 3.34pm.
Parents Elizabeth and Fadi, from Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, told Glasgow Live: "Even though it was short, the time that we got with Rita was very special, we wouldn't change that.
"We got to meet her, hold her, and love her - we got a lot from her.
"She knew us - although she was in an incubator she recognised our voices and knew when we were around."
The couple stayed at Crossbasket House while their baby girl was receiving treatment in hospital.
Tragic Accident: Baby Dies After Car Crash Following Beach Outing
Two days after being born, little Rita went through major gullet and windpipe surgery.
The newborn also survived an emergency ventilation procedure during the night.
Her parents added: "Our beautiful daughter, Rita Grace, gave us the best nine days of our lives. Rita was a huge inspiration.
"On her second day she was away from us for eight hours while she went through major surgery, and was well-known on NICU for keeping the doctors and nurses on their toes.
Symptoms of Edwards' syndrome
Newborn babies with Edwards' syndrome may have some, or all, of the following symptoms: low birth weight
ears in a low position on their head
cleft lip or palate
club foot
problems with their heart, kidneys or spine
problems with their breathing or digestion
Each person with Edwards' syndrome is different, and there are also different types which can cause different symptoms.
Source: NHS
"In Rita's short life, she had a profound impact on all who met her.
"She inspired others all over the world, and we have been humbled by the messages of love that we have received.
"We are truly honoured to be her parents."
Fadi, along with friends and family, is now taking on a cycling challenge in the tot's memory - Ride for Rita.
2
The tot was diagnosed in the womb with the life-limiting condition Edwards' Syndrome
Credit: Facebook/GlasgowChildrensHospitalCharity
The team will cycle 210 miles across Scotland, connecting the neonatal units in Aberdeen and Edinburgh before finishing in Glasgow, at the NICU where Rita was treated.
They set off on Tuesday, July 22.
Rita's mum Elizabeth will be joining the team from Edinburgh to Glasgow along with Grandma Anne, Auntie Eleanor and others.
They plan to arrive in Glasgow on Saturday, July 26.
Her parents added: "Rita was incredibly brave, resilient and peaceful from the get-go. She made us very proud parents."
Over £8,000 has already been raised for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
Kirsten Watson, CEO at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity said: "We are truly honoured that Fadi, Liz and their loved ones are taking on this incredible challenge in memory of Rita.
"We know that Rita's resilience will be an inspiration to the team throughout their journey, and will help them conquer every challenge as they ride to the finish line in Glasgow.
"The Ride for Rita challenge is raising vital funds in support of the Family Bereavement Support Service at Crossbasket House, creating a meaningful legacy for a very special girl."
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The 7 foods that could protect you from common fat jab side effect, suggest scientists
Find out more about side effects linked to fat jabs below NO WEIGH The 7 foods that could protect you from common fat jab side effect, suggest scientists Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WOMEN and older adults who use increasingly popular weight-loss drug semaglutide could protect themselves from a common side effect by eating more protein, say scientists. It may be an important step in reducing insulin resistance and preventing frailty in people with obesity, they add. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Women and older adults using semaglutide nay be at risk of losing muscle mass, previous studies have found Credit: Getty A previous study presented at ENDO 2025 suggested women and older adults using semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, for weight loss may be at a higher risk of losing muscle mass. Muscle loss, also referred to as lean mass loss, is a frequent consequence of weight reduction in people with obesity. According to lead researcher Dr Melanie Haines of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in a new study, this type of muscle loss can negatively influence metabolism and bone health. That's because muscle helps manage blood sugar levels after eating and contributes to bone strength. According to a study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, up to 40 per cent of the total weight lost while using semaglutide may be lean mass. But Dr Haines noted it's still unclear which patients are most likely to lose muscle and how this muscle loss might impact blood sugar control. To explore this further, researchers observed 40 adults with obesity over a three-month period. Of these participants, 23 were treated with semaglutide, while the remaining 17 took part in a weight-loss programme called Healthy Habits for Life (HHL), which focuses on diet and lifestyle changes. The team then monitored shifts in the participants' muscle mass over the course of the study. They found participants who were prescribed semaglutide lost more weight than those who participated in the diet and lifestyle programme. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons But the percent of weight loss that was lean mass was similar between the two groups. After accounting for weight loss, the researchers found in the semaglutide group, being older, female, or eating less protein was linked to greater muscle loss. Losing more muscle was also linked to less improvement in blood sugar levels. 'Older adults and women may be more likely to lose muscle on semaglutide, but eating more protein may help protect against this,' Haines said. 'Losing too much muscle may reduce the benefits of semaglutide on blood sugar control. "This means preserving muscle during weight loss with semaglutide may be important to reduce insulin resistance and prevent frailty in people with obesity.' There are both animal and plant-based sources of protein. Here are seven to include in your diet: Animal sources Lean meats - chicken breast, turkey, beef, and pork are excellent sources of high-quality protein, offering a range of vitamins and minerals. Fish - salmon, tuna, and other fish are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs - a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Dairy - milk, yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), and cheese (especially cottage cheese) are good sources of protein and calcium. Plant-based sources Legumes - beans, lentils, and peas are excellent sources of protein, fibre, and other nutrients. Nuts and seeds - almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds offer protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. Tofu and soy products - tofu, tempeh, and edamame are good sources of protein, particularly for vegetarians and vegans. In the UK, semaglutide for weight loss is available under the brand name Wegovy, and is prescribed through specialist weight management services within the NHS. It's an injectable medication (once weekly) that is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Ozempic, another semaglutide medication, is specifically for type 2 diabetes and is available on the NHS.
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire residents urged to be vigilant of dangers of Giant hogweed
The Property Care Association is putting the problems associated with Giant hogweed on the radar, due to public health concerns. A national trade body is urging the public in Lanarkshire to be vigilant to the dangers of an invasive weed that can cause injury in summer. The Property Care Association is putting the problems associated with Giant hogweed on the radar, due to public health concerns. This invasive non-native weed's sap is extremely toxic, making it a danger to public health. Contact with any part of Giant hogweed, followed by exposure to UV light - including the sun - can cause severe discomfort and blistering to the skin. Daniel Docking is Technical Manager of the Property Care Association's Invasive Weed Control Group. He said: 'It is important to make the public aware of the presence of Giant hogweed, and the risks associated with exposure to it. 'This is a highly invasive weed that grows vigorously and its distribution and frequency is increasing over time. 'Every year there are reports of injuries affecting people who have come into contact with the plant, as it produces a skin reaction that is antagonised by exposure to sunlight. 'Blisters can occur 24 to 48 hours after exposure and damaged skin heals very slowly. 'Children can be particularly affected, as they can encounter the plant while playing outdoors in the summer. 'Some cases can lead to people needing urgent medical attention, due to the severity of the blistering. 'Longer-term complications can emerge too, with the condition re-occurring over a period of years. 'Where this happens, the rash and the itching coming back every time the skin is exposed to UV light.' The PCA has some pointers to help the public recognise Giant hogweed, which can sometimes be confused with UK's native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock plants, but these are much smaller in size and the leaves have a smoother outline. However, the trade association strongly urges the public not to get too close to the plant to identify it. Daniel added: 'As well as the health issues, Giant hogweed is a major concern from an ecological point of view too, so it is really important that its growth is contained. 'The huge size of the leaves cuts-off any sunlight reaching the soil so there can be major changes to the local plant communities and all the invertebrates that depend on them.' * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
Powerful photograph taken by Linlithgow veterinary nurse shortlisted in UK-wide competition
Carena Schmid is representing Scotland with a photograph capturing Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies Venice and Jasper receiving their second vaccinations in a setting carefully adapted to their needs. A powerful photograph taken by a Linlithgow veterinary nurse has been shortlisted in a UK-wide competition by leading home care provider Caremark, as part of its 'What is Care?' photography competition. Launched to mark 20 years of Caremark championing home care in communities, the competition asked the public to capture what care means to them in everyday life, from small gestures to big moments. Out of hundreds of entries, one finalist was chosen from each of the UK's 12 regions, following a rigorous judging process carried out by Caremark's head office. Carena Schmid is representing Scotland with a photograph capturing Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies Venice and Jasper receiving their second vaccinations in a setting carefully adapted to their needs. The image shows the pups in their favourite 'paws-up' position, supported by their owners Claire Staines and Tracey Grant at Lothlorien Dog Services in Linlithgow, where the vaccinations took place — making the experience completely stress-free for the animals. The image is now part of a nationwide public vote on social media to determine the overall winner of the competition. The photographer of the winning entry will receive a £1,000 luxury getaway. Carena said: 'This photo shows how working together can result in a calm, positive care experience — not just for animals, but for people too. 'The owners worked with me and the pups ahead of time to make sure their second vaccinations were completely stress-free. They chose the environment, used their favourite position, gave them treats, and practised gentle handling the week before. 'To me, care means compassion, kindness and adapting what you do to suit the individual, whether human or animal. This image is important to me as it shows how the best level of care can be achieved when everyone works together. 'Little things like this can have a such an important and powerful impact in animal welfare. 'I was shocked and surprised to be selected as a finalist — in a good way! I'm very happy that a photo which promotes positive care for dogs is representing Scotland. If I were to win, I'd love to go somewhere rural in Scotland with my husband and our lovely arthritic Border Collie Miss Darcy and spend some proper quality time together.' Voting is open to the public via Caremark's Facebook page and will close at 9am on September 29. The entry with the highest number of public votes will be announced as the winner shortly after voting closes. Emma Scholes, Caremark's Director of Marketing, said: 'We've been genuinely moved by the creativity and thoughtfulness behind so many of the entries. 'With such an incredible standard from across the country, narrowing it down to just 12 finalists was tough because each photograph carried a personal story, so judging them was emotionally challenging. We felt that Carena's photograph stood out as a powerful reflection of what care can mean. 'This competition marks 20 years of Caremark championing care in communities across the UK. It's about shining a light on what care looks like in everyday life, from small gestures to life-changing support, and how differently people experience and express it. 'Each finalist has brought a unique perspective, and it's been inspiring to see care interpreted so personally through their lens. 'We're excited to now share these images with the public, celebrate the value of care in all its forms, and see who the UK public chooses as their overall winner!' For more information about the competition and to view the finalists' photographs, visit:
