Heartbreak as YouTube star Maddie dies of cold virus
Heartbreak as YouTube star Maddie dies of cold virus
A Newcastle toddler who had millions of fans on YouTube has died after contracting two common cold viruses.
Her shock death has prompted a health warning for all parents.
Little Maddie Tippett was just one year old when she was asked one big question.
"Who's your favourite, Dad or Mum? Mum. Ok, I didn't actually finish the question darling."
Her dad, Mick, was trying to coax the right answer.
"For the last time, who's your favourite? Dad. Kidding. Mum."
Mum Kerryn said: “She'd watch it with us, she'd just think it was funny, you know she'd know it off by heart, she'd play along."
Now Kerryn and Mick Tippett are hanging on to those happy memories.
Maddie's little body couldn't cope with two viruses that brought on pneumonia and attacked her weak heart.
Tragically, she died in her dad's arms on Tuesday night.
"There was nothing the hospital could do, there was nothing we could have done, we couldn't have brought her in earlier.
“As a parent your instinct is to protect your children no matter what, but there was nothing we could do."
Doctors blame two common infections.
Dr Ginni Mansberg said: "Severe complications are rare, specifically with adenovirus; however these complications may be life-threatening.
"Chances are your child is going to be fine, but if you are worried, go and see a doctor sooner rather than later."
Kerryn added: "We are those parents that you hear about, and you go, nope, I hope that never happens to me, and that's just what's happened to us, and its not fair."
Nine million people have viewed the original video on YouTube. The comments left offer some comfort.
"Rest peacefully little Maddie, you brought smiles to the faces of millions around the world".
A memorial service for Maddie will be held next week, here in her favourite Newcastle park, and her parents want it to be a happy affair, full of colour, balloons and smiles."
Kerryn and Mick are thankful their little girl brought such joy.
