Brave girl who tried to steal Kate Middleton’s flowers dies
A nine year-old-girl, who captured hearts around the world after she attempted to steal flowers from Kate Middleton, has died after battling a rare disease.
Mia Murchison passed away on August 17 after fighting incurable Batten disease since the age of three, which took her eyesight and her ability to walk and talk.
In April 2014, the Duchess of Cambridge met the brave young girl at a children’s hospice in Sydney.
Mia “tried to steal” flowers Kate had been given at Bear Cottage in the Sydney suburb of Manly, much to the amusement of the Duchess.
Kate, who was visiting the hospice with her husband Prince William, then let the young girl know that she could keep the flowers.
When Mia said the word “baby”, Kate reportedly replied: “Yes, I have a baby, baby George."
Mia, who was born in Ireland but relocated to New South Wales with her family, suffered from CLN2 disease, which is a part of the group of disorders collectively known as Batten disease, reported the Mirror.
Mia’s family have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the condition and shared their daughter’s heartbreaking passing on their Bounce4Batten Facebook page.
"Mia died this morning at home in our arms. So incredibly sad and beautiful. So very loved and adored,” it said on the page.
Peta later wrote: "Yesterday was the saddest and most beautiful day for our family. Mia’s casket had a simple wooden nameplate that we will keep forever.
"I never thought you could like a casket but hers was so beautiful covered in flowers and so very Mia. I loved it.
"I was never going to be ready for this goodbye but it was heavenly and more beautiful than I ever could have imagined."
Batten disease is a fatal disorder of the nervous system which typically begins in childhood and is incurable.
Those diagnosed with Batten disease may suffer from blindness, personality and behavioural changes, seizures, intellectual decline, loss of speech, dementia and motor problems.
Mia’s family have set up a GoFundMe page to support the principle charities that “played an integral role in Mia’s joyful life”.
The page has already raised over $38,000 to support Riding for Disabled Association of Australia, Bear Cottage, Guide Dogs Australia and Batten Disease Support and Research Association.