THE smile of beautiful quad Ellie May Holden continues to shine in the hearts of all those who met her, say her family.

It is two years ago today that Ellie May, one of Bolton's much loved record-breaking quadruplets, died in her father Marc Hanley's arms at the age of just five years and nine months.

Her mum, Gillian Holden said their special little girl is missed each and every day.

Miss Holden, who lives with her family in Kearsley, said: "We remember Ellie all the time, it is still difficult, we have our good days and bad days.

"Marc visits her grave every day and I try and go every day. We took the girls on Sunday and they speak about her all the time.

"This year, we are going to have a quiet day together."

Ellie's parents defied odds of 750,000 to one when they conceived Bethany, Millie, Lucy and Ellie naturally. They were the first family in Bolton to have quads in 50 years.

They were delivered at just 28 weeks. Millie and Bethany still needed oxygen 24 hours a day through nasal tubes when they came home and Ellie, who had cerebral palsy, remained on oxygen and under the care of medics.

The Bolton News:

Miss Holden said that her wonderful daughter was a huge part of their lives — and won over everyone she met.

Oldest sister Abbie, aged 16, who is studying to be a paramedic, said: "It doesn't get easier. I look back to how I felt last year and it just seems to get worse.

"Ellie was amazing, if you felt down, you would just look at Ellie, her smile and you felt better."

The Bolton News:

(From left) Ellie, Millie, Bethany and Lucy Gillian Holden and Marc Hanley with their quads

Abbie added: "We always talk about her, but Lucy is finding it very difficult, she has lost her best friend, I can't imagine what it is like to have lost your best friends at the age of five."

Miss Holden said: "It has been difficult for all the family, and we are so proud of Abbie going to college to study to be a paramedic, because it has been very difficult for her."